Thank you for getting in touch with me to express your support for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (P.L. 104-199).
I am a co-sponsor of legislation to repeal key provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe all Americans are entitled to equal protection under the law and all of our citizens deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
The Respect for Marriage Act, S.598, will allow couples who have a legal marriage in a state to have the same federal protections as every other married couple. This includes the right to receive spousal benefits under Social Security; to file joint federal tax returns and to take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act when a spouse falls seriously ill. The bill maintains the ability of every state to determine the legality of same-sex marriage.
The bill does not infringe on the right of any state to decide whether same-sex marriage will be legal within its borders. Nor does it require that members of religious organizations, whose tradition or theology opposes same-sex marriage, to perform or recognize such a marriage.
This legislation ensures that all Americans are equal under law. This is a fundamental American principle. All Americans who have the right to marry should also have equal access to the benefits of marriage.
Again, I appreciate your contacting me on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
United States Senator
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