WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today issued the following statement the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA):
"Today's ruling by the Supreme Court reflects the growing progress made for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals around the country. Striking down the Defense of Marriage Act is a victory for thousands of loving, committed families who have been denied equality under the law for too long and will now be rightly treated as the full and equal citizens they are.
"I was proud to support legislation to repeal DOMA because I believed it was indeed unconstitutional, and I am glad to see this discriminatory policy put behind us.
"I am also glad that legally married same-sex couples are now eligible for the same federal benefits and protections afforded to other married couples. This includes Social Security survivors and spousal benefits, the right to care for and make medical decisions for their partners, file joint tax returns without unfair penalties, or receive partner benefits at work for federal employees - many of whom live and work in our state.
"Our Constitution enshrines the principle of equality, and our government should never permit or deny anyone's rights based on their sexual orientation. New Mexico and our country are only strengthened by diversity, and we are better today because of this ruling."
