Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s rulings that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional and restoring the right of same-sex couples in California to marry.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for civil rights. The Court brought our nation one step closer to equality for all Americans .. DOMA and Proposition 8 did nothing but disparage the dignity of gay and lesbian couples," Sanchez said. "I am proud that all couples in California have the right to declare their love by legally entering into marriage and having that commitment recognized throughout our nation.”
The Defense of Marriage Act became law in 1996 and restricted federal marriage benefits and required inter-state recognition of only opposite-sex marriages. Proposition 8 was narrowly passed in November 2008 and amended the California constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. In 2012, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declaring California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in a 2–1 decision.
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Background
In the 111th and 112th Congresses, Congresswoman Sanchez introduced the Social Security Equality Act, which would ensure that LGBT couples receive the same Social Security benefits as heterosexual couples. Congresswoman Sanchez plans to re-introduce the Social Security Equality Act in the 113th Congress as well.
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