Marriage Equality For All
Statement
Dear Neighbors,
Over the next few days, the Supreme Court will decide whether gays and lesbian Americans have a constitutional right to marry or whether state bans against same-sex marriage can remain in place. My beliefs on this issue are shaped by own personal experiences during an extremely difficult time in my life.
While I was recovering at Walter Reed after being shot down in Iraq, my husband Bryan was at my bedside every day. Not only was he offering love and support during such a difficult time, but he was also making critical decisions for me that improved my quality of life. Often, those decisions were contrary to what other family members would have decided, but as my life partner, my husband knew me better and made the correct choices for me when I could not. The Supreme Court and Congress need to grant all Americans - gay or straight - the ability to protect their partner.
It is my hope that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of love and commitment, and rule in favor of marriage equality. That's why I joined 166 of my colleagues in the House, along with 44 Senators, to write an amicus brief to the Supreme Court arguing that Americans deserve the freedom to marry. I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 197 -- Respect to Marriage Act which would repeal the Defense for Marriage Act, (DOMA) restore the rights of same-sex couples and allow them to receive all the benefits of marriage under federal law.
As a solider, I was a strong supporter of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell because it didn't matter to me if one of buddies was gay or straight. It only mattered that they were willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with me defending our nation. There are millions of LGBT Americans contributing to our country and they deserve the same rights as everyone else. Our nation will not reach its full potential until all Americans are given the opportunity to marry the individual they love. Regardless of this decision it is my hope that we will all recommit ourselves to standing up for equality and justice for all our neighbors.
Sincerely,
Tammy Duckworth
Member of Congress
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