Rep. Takano Statement on Attorney General Holder Refusing to Enforce Remaining DOMA Provision for Veterans and Service Members

Washington DC – Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after United States Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner informing him that the United States will no longer enforce Title 38 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which limits benefits provided to veterans and their families, and in certain instances, active-duty service members and their spouses:

 

“I’m pleased to see Attorney General Holder’s decision not to enforce the remaining provision in DOMA that would limit benefits to veterans and some active-duty service members who are in same-sex marriages.

 

“While the Supreme Court’s decision in June only addressed specific portions of DOMA, the Executive Branch can, and should, do all that it can to root out the remaining pieces of this discriminatory law. No one, especially the brave men and women who put their life on the line for our country, should suffer because of who they love.

 

“I firmly believe that the recent momentum for LGBT equality will continue and that justice will ultimately prevail. I applaud Attorney General Holder for taking an active role in continuing that momentum and ensuring that every American is treated equally.”

 

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