Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Constitution Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.’s announcement that President Obama’s has decided not to defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of the “Defense of Marriage Act,” which defines marriage for the purposes of federal law:

“I commend Attorney General Holder and President Obama for their leadership, integrity, and courage.  After careful consideration, and weighing heavily their duty to defend laws passed by Congress, the Attorney General and President concluded that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional and cannot be defended by the Department of Justice.  This marks the first time that the federal government has recognized that a law designed to harm LGBT Americans and their families cannot be justified.  The President has long called upon Congress to repeal this unconstitutional law and I will be reintroducing my legislation, the “Respect for Marriage Act,” to repeal DOMA and ensure that committed, loving couples can rely upon the legal responsibilities and security that come with the time-honored tradition of marriage.  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in this effort.”