NCJW Welcomes Bill to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act
September 15, 2009, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today welcomed the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"NCJW is proud to stand with congressional leaders as they introduce the Respect for Marriage Act, which would end discriminatory treatment of legally married same-sex couples by the federal government. Such treatment became part of federal law with the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) passed in 1996. DOMA overturned federal recognition of all state-sanctioned marriages that had been legally binding since ratification of the US Constitution more than 200 years ago.
"Under DOMA, same-sex married couples are denied the advantage of more than 1100 federal protections and responsibilities ordinarily extended to married couples. As a practical matter, DOMA deprives same sex couples of the ability to file joint income tax returns, to enjoy spousal benefits under social security, and to use the Family and Medical Leave Act, just to name a very few. The decision of eight states and the District of Columbia to recognize same-sex marriage makes this effort all the more urgent.
"Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Jared Polis (D-CO) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are to be commended for sponsoring the Respect for Marriage Act, and NCJW is pleased to join in supporting this effort to reverse a discriminatory law that has inflicted severe hardships on many American couples."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org