THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007 
September 15, 2009
Release # 086-2009

Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Re: Rep. Nadler's Introduction of Legislation to Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act

For more than a decade, the Defense of Marriage Act has been a disgraceful vestige of bigotry in our country. It remains appalling that a nation founded on principles of liberty and equality would adopt a law that actively denies rights to millions of its citizens. DOMA undermines all our victories in the fight for marriage equality, by banning these rights even in states that have recognized same-sex marriages.

The legislation introduced by Representative Nadler today brings us one step closer to ending this great injustice. I thank him for once again demonstrating his commitment to the LGBT community. Passage of this repeal will not come easily, and we must now begin the work of building momentum by opening minds. We must join our voices with his, and together drown out the voices of hatred and intolerance. I urge President Obama, and all members of Congress, to embrace this moment as an opportunity for lasting change.