July 20, 2011
NEW YORK STATE BAR PRESIDENT VINCENT E. DOYLE III
COMMENDS PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR SUPPORTING REPEAL OF DOMA
(Albany) – New York State Bar Association
President Vincent E. Doyle III of Buffalo (Connors & Vilardo LLP)
issued the following statement in response to President Barack
Obama’s endorsement of legislation that would repeal the federal
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA):
“We applaud President Obama for supporting federal legislation
sponsored by Senator Diane Feinstein and Representative Jerrold Nadler
that would repeal DOMA. The repeal of this unfortunate and
discriminatory law is a long-time priority of the New York State Bar
Association.
“This Sunday same-sex couples finally will be able to legally
marry in New York. While that is a tremendous step forward in achieving
equality and fairness, that victory is marred by the continued existence
of DOMA.
“Sadly, it denies certain federal benefits -- such as spousal
Social Security benefits or the ability to file joint tax returns --
granted to other married couples. DOMA also permits other states
to disregard the marital status of New York’s same-sex couples.
“New York has spoken in a clear, bipartisan voice that same-sex
couples in our state are entitled to the same legal rights as other
married New Yorkers. That goal can’t be realized until this
discriminatory federal law is gone once and for all.
“By taking this strong stand, President Obama puts us one step
closer to full legal equality that same-sex couples deserve. We hope
Congress will listen to the President and pass DOMA’s
repeal.”
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in
1876.
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