WASHINGTON - September 15 - Michael J. Wilson, National Director of Americans for Democratic Action, issued this statement following the introduction of legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act:

“Americans for Democratic Action applauds Congress for taking this first step to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.  This misnamed piece of legislation enshrined discrimination into Federal law.  It treats legal marriages in some states differently than legal marriages in other states.  It denies thousands of Americans the same rights and privileges as others.  It has no place in a fair and just society and it is time for it to end.

 “Marriage, as a legal institution, should only be limited to adults seeking permanent, committed relationships. The inevitable discrimination that flows from permitting some marriages but not others is both unfair and unconstitutional.

“The road ahead is sure to be difficult but we are thankful to Representative Nadler and the other sponsors of this bill for showing real leadership on this important issue.

“The battle against discrimination has never been easy, and social change has always been hard but ADA has always stood for justice, and history is on our side. “