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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Inga Sarda-Sorensen, Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
isorensen@theTaskForce.org

Task Force Responds to Obama Administration's Decision Not to Defend Discriminatory Marriage Law

WASHINGTON

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force applauds the Obama administration's announcement calling on the Department of Justice not to defend the discriminatory, so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA). In a letter to Congress and a statement released today, Attorney General Eric Holder concluded that classifications based on sexual orientation warrant heightened scrutiny, and that section 3 of DOMA is therefore unconstitutional.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"The decision by the Obama administration not to defend the discriminatory, so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act' is a tremendous step toward recognizing our common humanity and ending an egregious injustice against thousands of loving, committed couples who simply want the protections, rights and responsibilities afforded other married couples. We thank the Obama administration for having the integrity to recognize that this law should not be defended in court. Discrimination has no place in our society, and DOMA has only served to belittle our country's deeply held values of freedom and fairness. It's time to end DOMA once and for all."

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!