Contact: Demi Bardsley, Concerned Women for America, 202-488-7000 ext. 1020

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- This morning, Representative Jerry Nadler (D-New York) announced he will introduce a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  This law defines marriage for federal purposes and ensures that states are not forced to recognize alternate definitions.  DOMA passed overwhelmingly in 1996 by 342-67 in the House and 85-14 in the Senate.

Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America (CWA), said, "The citizens of 39 states have worked hard to pass legislation and constitutional amendments to protect marriage as the union between one man and one woman.  DOMA ensures the integrity of our constitutional system and the will of Americans.  DOMA reflects the reality that marriage provides unique benefits to individuals, children, and society which cannot be replicated by any other living arrangement.

"The Defense of Marriage Act anticipated the assault that homosexual activists would inflict upon marriage.  Through DOMA, the will of the people is honored, as evidenced in the 39 states that have passed laws protecting marriage."

Shari Rendall, CWA's Director of Legislation and Public Policy, said, "Homosexual activists and their congressional supporters are making the outrageous claim that protecting marriage is a form of discrimination.  But the reverse is true -- failing to protect marriage and overturning marriage laws will result in reverse discrimination against people who believe that marriage is between one man and one woman."

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.