I am heartened that United States District Court in Boston has recognized that the Defense of Marriage Act as an unconstitutional law. A nation founded on principles of liberty and equality should never adopt a law whose sole intention is to deny rights to millions of its citizens. The federal government, like all states, should recognize same-sex marriages and afford same sex couples all of the rights and responsibilities connected to marriage.

The District Court’s ruling sends a message that marriage equality for same sex couples is long overdue. Justice is never easily achieved, and there is much work left to be done. We still do not have equal marriage equality in our own state. I urge President Obama and the Justice Department to not appeal this ruling, and for members of Congress to embrace this moment as an opportunity to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I also urge members of the New York State Senate to take up this right cause and pass marriage equality in New York State.

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