DeGette Cosponsors Respect For Marriage Act To Ensure Full Repeal Of DOMA

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01), Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Caucus, released the following statement after the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would ensure the full repeal of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Rep. DeGette is an original co-sponsor of the bill.

"As we celebrate today's landmark Supreme Court decisions and an historic victory for the LGBT community, we also acknowledge that more work remains in the march towards equal rights for all. I am proud to co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act introduced today with so many of my colleagues. Congress should act quickly to pass this legislation and repeal DOMA in its entirety. Our bill will abolish Section 2 of DOMA, which was not a component in today's decision, and prevent states from deciding whether to recognize a marriage performed in another state. The Respect for Marriage Act will ensure all marriages are recognized no matter where the couple resides, allowing them and their children to enjoy the same rights and benefits as every family in our nation. While we hail the court's ruling against DOMA, we are reminded that progress is unavoidable and justice will eventually prevail. We must now finish the job and grant full equality to all Americans."

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