Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, and the author of both the Respect for Marriage Act – to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) – and the Uniting American Families Act – to provide immigration equality to bi-national gay and lesbian couples, issued the following statement:

“Because of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, married bi-national gay and lesbian couples have been unjustly denied the opportunity to build a life together in this country.  Recently, a federal judge declared DOMA unconstitutional and the Department of Justice, after careful consideration, has agreed.  In light of these developments, Judge Bain’s decision to stop deportation proceedings and allow Monica Alcota and Cristina Ojeda to seek recognition of their marriage was the right, necessary, and just thing to do.  Our immigration laws protect families by allowing spouses of United States citizens to remain in the country.  No family or committed couple should be needlessly torn apart while we work to bring a final end to this shameful law.”

Nadler re-introduced the Respect for Marriage Act last week, along with 108 House colleagues; a companion bill was introduced by Senator Feinstein in the Senate.