Defense of Marriage Act

PFAW Commends Movement on DOMA Repeal

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) announced today that he intends to bring the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), before his committee for a vote in November.

Ending Discrimination against Same-Sex Couples: Relationship Recognition in Immigration Law

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) is a meaningful step toward providing equality to same-sex couples and keeping their families together. It would allow many same-sex partners to begin the immigration process more quickly, efficiently, and with fewer limitations. For many, it could very well be the only avenue available to keep their families together in the US.

Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: Protecting America and Its Principles

We need swift certification and effectuation of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

Ending Discrimination against Same-Sex Couples: Marriage and Relationship Recognition in Federal Law

Although there are some actions that can and should be taken to expand benefits and protections for same-sex couples, only the full repeal of DOMA will allow federal and interstate recognition of their legal marriages and give those couples equal rights under the law.

PFAW Urges Congress to Repeal DOMA Immediately

Today, members of the House and Senate introduced measures to repeal the “Defense of Marriage Act,” which for fifteen years has encoded discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans into federal law.

PFAW Commends President Obama’s Stand Against Unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act

President Obama today ordered the Department of Justice to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act in courts, because the discriminatory statute is unconstitutional.

Federal Court Rules DOMA’s Section 3 Unconstitutional

A federal court in Massachusetts has ruled unconstitutional Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

Department of Justice Brief Defends DOMA in Marriage Case

The Department of Justice today filed a brief defending the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) in the case Gill v. Office of Personnel Management. People For the American Way president Michael B. Keegan said, “I’m disappointed that the Department of Justice once again chose to defend a law which, by the Department’s own admission, discriminates against gay and lesbian Americans. In Massachusetts and other states, there are now two groups of legally married couples: one group which gets all the federal benefits that come with marriage, and another group which receives nothing. That situation is intolerable. The administration missed an important opportunity to make clear that discrimination against LGBT people is unacceptable.

Legislation to Dump DOMA Introduced in Congress

Legislation to repeal the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) was introduced in the House of Representatives today by Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York.

Brief Highlights Need for DOMA Repeal

While the DOJ's latest brief in the Smelt v. United States case reaffirms President Obama's pledge to repeal DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act), it's still disappointing that the Administration continues to defend the law in court.

Massachusetts Sues U.S. over DOMA

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts yesterday filed suit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA.) The suit challenges Section 3 of the act, which prevents same-sex couples legally married in Massachusetts from accessing federal benefits and protections automatically granted to others couples.

An Open Letter to President Obama from People For the American Way

Today, PFAW President Michael B. Keegan issued an open letter to President Obama urging him to use his influence to advance the cause of LGBT equality and make good on his promises to help end discriminatory policies such as DOMA and Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Presidential Memorandum: "A Very Small Step in the Right Direction"

In reponse to President Obama signing a memorandum granting a limited number of benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees and reiterating his pledge to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan said,

Anti-Gay Politics and the Religious Right

An analysis of the Religious Right's anti-gay policies and activities, leading up to the Christian Coalition's 1998 Road to Victory Conference.

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