Thanks to a string of state-level victories, tens of thousands of loving, same-sex couples across the country have finally been able to join in marriage in the last few years.
Yet because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacted in 1996, the federal government doesn't recognize a single one. This hurtful and discriminatory law denies millions of Americans federal recognition of marriage and the protections that come with that -- Social Security survivors' benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, the right to take leave to care for a spouse, and more.
Legislation to repeal DOMA is still pending! Now is the time to let Congress and President Obama know that DOMA must go. Send your message urging them to push forward legislation to REPEAL DOMA.
I'm writing to urge you to push forward legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a hurtful and discriminatory law that is denying tens of thousands of legally married lesbian and gay couples across the country more than 1,000 federal protections they deserve. An important first step in this effort is to support Representative Nadler's legislation to repeal DOMA, HR 3567.
The federal protections of marriage include Social Security survivors' benefits, family and medical leave, equal compensation as federal employees, and immigration rights, among others.
All across this country, same-sex couples are living the same lives that heterosexual couples live -- raising children and trying to save for their educations; committing to each other emotionally and financially, paying taxes, serving on the PTA, and struggling to balance work and family.
[Your comments]
It's time to do away with DOMA once and for all and I look to you to lead the fight on this important issue.
Thank you for your time and attention.
