Statement Supporting Marriage Equality for All Americans

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement today after President Obama ordered the Department of Justice to stop defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act in federal courts:

“I celebrate today’s decision by President Obama and Attorney General Holder to stop defending the unconstitutional ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ (DOMA) in federal court. This is a bold step forward toward equality for LGBT families, who want nothing more than to be treated with the same dignity and respect afforded other married couples.

“Discriminatory on its face, I have always viewed DOMA as a violation of our Constitution’s sacred promise of equal protection for all Americans. As more states pass marriage equality laws, it is more important than ever that the federal government get out of the way and not discriminate against entire categories of lawful unions. 

“Today’s decision makes our Union more perfect—but much more must be done. Congress should repeal the discriminatory DOMA law so that all American families are respected and treated equally in the eyes of the law.”

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