NCJW Applauds Senate Defeat of Federal Marriage Amendment
July 14, 2004, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) applauds the action of the US Senate in refusing to end debate on the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA). By a vote of 50-48 (2 senators did not vote), the Senate soundly rejected calling for a vote on this amendment that would write discrimination into the US Constitution. NCJW President Marsha Atkind issued the following statement:
"NCJW is pleased that the Senate refused to call for a vote on the discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment. Gay and lesbian individuals should have the constitutional right to affirm and protect their relationships through marriage and to seek its legal benefits.
"Opponents claim that the institution of marriage will somehow suffer if gays and lesbians are allowed to marry. We do not agree. Gay and lesbian couples in this country are forming partnerships, having children, and creating families and will continue to do so. To deny couples in these committed relationships the same legal benefits accorded spouses in heterosexual marriages is prejudicial and morally offensive.
"A ban on same-sex marriage would be the first instance in which the Constitution was amended to restrict the rights of an individual class of people. This would set a dangerous precedent. NCJW is encouraged by the Senate's refusal to end debate and call for a vote on the FMA and will continue to work for the defeat of any amendment that would define marriage and enshrine discrimination in the Constitution of the United States."
NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.
Contact:
Becky Dansky
202 296 2588; becky@ncjwdc.org