Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced a bill Tuesday calling for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
The bill, entitled the Respect for Marriage Act, would ensure that all valid marriages, including those between same-sex couples, would be respected under federal law.
""Our legislation will extend to same-sex, legally married couples the same federal rights and recognition now offered to heterosexual married couples, nothing more, nothing less,"" Baldwin said in a statement. ""Repealing DOMA is a necessary step toward full equality for LGBT Americans.""
DOMA, enacted in 1996, stipulates that no state be required to recognize a relationship between two persons of the same-sex as marriage, even if it is considered marriage in another state.
It additionally defines marriage, as recognized by the federal government, as between one man and one woman.
Polis has openly criticized DOMA, saying in a statement, ""[It] is a valueless tradition that undermines the spirit of love and commitment that couples share and sends the wrong message to society. It is time for its repeal.""
