Sen. Chuck Schumer announces his support of marriage equality, DOMA repeal
March 23, 2009
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) just became the highest U.S. Senate member to publicly endorse marriage for marriage equality when he announced his support for repealing the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry. The announcement follows a Sunday evening meeting with a group of New York LGBT elected officials and leaders from LGBT advocacy organizations, including Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle. Senator Schumer confirmed his change of heart on marriage equality today in a statement to the New York Daily News:
"It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue."
HRC President Joe Solmonese issued this statement in response:
The Human Rights Campaign commends Sen. Schumer for supporting marriage equality for committed lesbian and gay couples. With Sen. Schumer joining at least nine other U.S. Senators in support of marriage equality, he adds critical momentum to the fight. Momentum is also building for repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As someone who voted for DOMA in 1996, Sen. Schumer sends a strong signal to other DOMA supporters that it is time to reevaluate and push for equal treatment of married couples.
Senator Schumer, who is the vice chair of the U.S. Senate’s Democratic Conference, attended this year's HRC Greater New York Gala Dinner in February. Watch the video of his remarks:
