Republican House Member Co-Sponsors DOMA Repeal Bill

HRC applauds Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s leadership

9/23/2011

Washington– Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) this week became the first Republican Member of Congress to co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act, the bill to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act that blocks federal recognition of legally married gay and lesbian couples.  Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

“Getting the federal government out of playing favorites when it comes to marriage shouldn’t be a partisan issue.  Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen is a longstanding advocate for our equality and has shown today that respect for our community, and our marriages, is a mainstream and bipartisan principle.  With the American people strongly supportive of DOMA repeal, we will continue to work with members of both parties to end this discrimination once and for all.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Contact Us

To make a general inquiry, please visit our contact page. Members of the media can reach our press office at: (202) 572-8968 or email press@hrc.org.