On the recordSeptember 22, 2011
The end this week of Don't Ask, Don't Tell shows us that we have nothing to fear and can only gain by extending liberty and equality to all of our citizens. Brave young men and women will not be denied the opportunity to serve their country, and soldiers will be judged on their ability to do their jobs, not on their sexual orientation. This is a great step forward, but some seem eager to step back. In North Carolina, there is a ballot initiative to amend the State constitution to ban same-sex marriage. This seems to be more about turning out the Republican political base than about marriage, and many of our businesses say it would hinder their attempts to treat employees fairly. We must defeat it. At the national level, we also have an anachronistic law, the so- called Defense of Marriage Act. This should be repealed. Repeal would ensure that marriages entered into in one State will be recognized by other States. This year, I have again cosponsored repeal and don't intend to rest until DOMA is erased from the U.S. Code. Madam Speaker, history will judge these efforts at discrimination harshly. It is time for America's political leaders, including Members of this body, to catch up. ____________________
