NCJW Applauds Second Circuit Court Decision Ruling on “Defense of Marriage” Act
October 18, 2012, New York, NY — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today applauded the decision of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals that a key component of the federal so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:
“Today’s ruling by the 2nd Circuit Court is a victory for equality. For the second time, a federal circuit court has ruled that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) provision is unconstitutional. NCJW worked hard against passage of this discriminatory law to begin with, and we are gratified that the federal courts are seeing this law for what it is – an unconscionable violation of equal protection under the law.
“This is an issue that may well end up on this term’s Supreme Court docket. Regardless, Congress should act expeditiously to repeal this law and recognize that same-sex marriages that are legal in an increasing number of states should be honored by the federal government.
“This decision is proof yet again of NCJW’s contention that courts matter as do the individual judges who sit in lifetime seats on those federal courts. We are pleased by this decision and look forward to the day when marriage equality will be universal.”
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: Brianne Nadeau
202-265-3000 Brianne@rabinowitz-dorf.com