NOW Urges Committee to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

July 21, 2011

On July 20, the Senate Judiciary Committee held the first congressional hearing on the repeal of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-marriages. At the hearing, NOW distributed a letter urging committee members to approve the Respect for Marriage Act of 2011 (S. 598), which would repeal critical parts of DOMA.

While same-sex couples can now legally marry in six states and the District of Columbia, DOMA denies them more than 1,000 spousal and survivor benefits granted under federal law. For 15 years, this discriminatory legislation has stymied progress toward equality for the LGBT community. If enacted, S. 598 would undo this injustice and afford married same-sex couples and their families the equal protections they deserve.

The tide may indeed be turning. President Barack Obama recently announced his support of S. 598. This endorsement, combined with the Judiciary hearing, could be the impetus needed to build sufficient momentum to repeal DOMA.

Read the letter NOW President Terry O'Neill wrote to Senators Patrick Leahy and Charles Grassley of the Judiciary Committee, commending them for holding the July 20 hearing.