Obama Endorses DOMA Repeal Bill

As you doubtlessly know, Senate Democrats are spearheading a bill to repeal DOMA. The bill should get its first Senate hearing tomorrow. Today the president endorsed the bill, which is titled the Respect For Marriage Act. Reactions below.

Human Rights Campaign

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 He has repeatedly expressed his desire to see the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act repealed and his Justice Department has taken the historic step of ending its defense of that odious law in court.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.

Courage Campaign

We are delighted that today, on the eve of a historic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, President Obama endorsed the Respect for Marriage Act. It is rare that a White House endorses a bill that has yet to pass first in either the Senate or the House. President Obama’s decision to do so underscores the urgency with which the Defense of Marriage Act must be repealed. His support makes clear to all Americans that the Defense of Marriage Act has no place in our society.