7/19/2011

Washington– Today at a White House news conference, Press Secretary Jay Carney announced President Obama’s support for the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act that denies federal recognition to legally married same-sex couples. The bill will be the subject of a historic hearing tomorrow morning before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, who will himself be testifying tomorrow in favor of the bill, released the following statement:

“We thank the President for his support of the Respect for Marriage Act. He has repeatedly expressed his desire to see the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act repealed and his Justice Department has taken the historic step of ending its defense of that odious law in court. By supporting this legislation, the President continues to demonstrate his commitment to ending federal discrimination against tens of thousands of lawfully married same-sex couples.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.