'Plain and simple, discrimination doesn't belong in the Constitution,' said HRC's David M. Smith.

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign denounced yesterday's introduction in the House of an amendment that would deny marriage and likely civil union and domestic partnership rights to same-sex couples. Introduced by Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., the bill would have the same effects as last year's failed amendment.

&quotPlain and simple, discrimination doesn't belong in the Constitution,&quot said HRC Vice President of Policy David M. Smith. &quotCongress can't dress up discrimination. By any name, this amendment would still hurt American families. Not only would this amendment trample the rights of millions of same-sex couples and their children, but it would also deny any state the ability to ensure its families are protected under state law.&quot

The proposed amendment reads:

&quotMarriage in the United States shall consist only of a legal union of a man and a woman.

&quotNo court of the United States or of any state shall have jurisdiction to determine whether this Constitution or the constitution of any state requires that the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any union other than a legal union between one man and one woman.

&quotNo state shall be required to give effect to any public act, record or judicial proceeding of any other state concerning a union between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage, or as having the legal incidents of marriage, under the laws of such other state.&quot

If passed, it would mark the first time the Constitution was amended to single out a group of Americans for unequal treatment.

According to exit polling in November 2004, 60 percent of Americans support either civil unions or marriage equality for same-sex couples.

&quotAmericans don't want the Constitution turned into a tool for discrimination,&quot added Smith. &quotCongress should be spending its time protecting families, not ensuring their vulnerability under law.&quot