Velazquez Joins Effort to Repeal Discriminatory "Defense of Marriage Act"

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) joined colleagues today in introducing legislation to restore the rights of all legally married couples, including same-sex couples, ensuring they receive all benefits of marriage under federal law. The bill, the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA), would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, a discriminatory law Congress passed in 1996.

“The march of progress is clear. Across the nation, states are increasingly recognizing same-sex marriages and the courts are upholding this fundamental human right,” Velázquez said. “Now, Congress must act to scrap what remains of this discriminatory and unconstitutional law.”

In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down portions of the Defense of Marriage Act which restrict U.S. federal interpretation of “marriage” and “spouse” to apply only to heterosexual unions. Despite this historic decision and efforts by the Obama Administration to extend federal benefits to same sex couples, elements of the discriminatory law continue impeding progress, particularly for LGBT couples residing in states that have not yet recognized same-sex marriages.

“To fully address this matter, Congress must act and wipe this discriminatory law off the books,” Velázquez added. “I call on the House Republican Leadership to swiftly move this legislation to the floor and allow us to vote on the matter.”

The legislation cosponsored by Velázquez, the Respect for Marriage Act, has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. A companion measure has also been put forth by Democrats in the U.S. Senate.

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