Pocan Cosponsors the Respect for Marriage Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, signed on as an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-10). This bill would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 (DOMA) in its entirety, providing equality under the law and certainty for all married couples with regard to critical federal obligations and benefits.

"With over 35 states recognizing same sex marriages, it is time we bring more fairness and stability to the lives of these married couples and their families," said Representative Mark Pocan. "The Respect for Marriage Act would ensure equal treatment under federal law and finally put to rest the awful consequences of DOMA."

"While we have made great strides towards equality for the LGBT community, we must continue to fight for the thousands of individuals still discriminated against merely because of whom they love," said Representative Pocan. "We must not stop fighting until all 50 states recognize all relationships equally and all citizens equally under the law."

The Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Windsor resulted in the federal government granting marriage recognition based on a state's recognition of the marriage. The Respect for Marriage Act would provide a uniform marriage recognition rule, ensuring a marriage is valid under the law of the state where performed and is recognized for purposes of federal law. This ensures key federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs recognize all married couples, guaranteeing the ability of these couples to plan for a future of mutual obligation and support with confidence.

A tireless advocate for the rights of the LGBT community, Pocan has been married to his husband Phil since 2006.

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