[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT

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                               speech of

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 1996

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3396) to 
     define and protect the institution of marriage:

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3396, 
the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, and ask my colleagues to reject 
this mean-spirited legislation.
  The proponents of H.R. 3396 would have us believe that this 
legislation is necessary to save the institution of marriage. The real 
purpose of H.R. 3396 is to create a wedge issue for Republicans for the 
upcoming elections.
  In a shameless attempt to divide the American public, the Republican 
Party is espousing official bigotry. It is promoting discrimination 
against individuals who seek the same responsibilities and 
opportunities other Americans seek when they form a lifelong union with 
someone they love. It is scapegoating a segment of our society to fan 
the flames of intolerance and prejudice. And it is doing this to try to 
improve its standings in the polls.
  Discrimination against people who are gay and committed to 
one another does nothing to defend marriage or to strengthen family 
values. It does, however, continue to deny them legal rights that 
married couples simply take for granted--inclusion in a spouse's health 
insurance plan, pension and tax benefits, the ability to participate in 
medical decisions, and the right to visit a dying spouse in the 
hospital.

  Our Nation's families deserve better from their leaders than this 
cynical effort to raise fears and create divisions for political gain. 
They need leaders who will recognize the true needs of families and who 
are willing to work for adequate healthcare, access to educational 
opportunities, a decent wage, and a livable environment.
  Let's work together on the real challenges we face as a nation. Let's 
not allow our Republican leaders to create scapegoats to distract the 
public's attention from the failure of this Congress to address issues 
the American public cares about.
  I urge my colleagues to stand up to bigotry and discrimination. I 
urge you to vote against this mean-spirited legislation.

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