[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 127 (Monday, September 16, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10579-S10580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, last week the Senate passed the so-called 
Defense of Marriage Act. I voted against this bill for three reasons.
  First, there is no need for this legislation. Not one State in this 
Nation has legalized marriages between gay

[[Page S10580]]

men or lesbians. Until one does, there is absolutely no need for 
Congress to consider whether other States are, or should be, obligated 
to recognize such marriages.
  Second, it is clear to me that this legislation is politically 
motivated. By making this unnecessary bill a priority of this Congress, 
while failing to act on numerous other measures of much more immediate 
importance, the Republican leadership has made clear its desire to try 
to embarrass those who have traditionally supported equal rights for 
all Americans, including gays and lesbians.
  Third, I do not believe that most Rhode Islanders or most Americans 
think that this a matter of urgent national importance requiring 
congressional action. Prior to the introduction of this legislation, I 
had not received one letter or phone call expressing concern about gay 
or lesbian marriages. And since the introduction of this legislation, I 
have received only limited correspondence from Rhode Islanders 
expressing support for it. Whoever has this bill high on their agenda 
has not consulted with many of my constituents or with many of the 
people from across the Nation who write to me.
  Mr. President, I know that people of good will and strong faith can 
differ on this sensitive subject. And I knew that the Senate's vote 
would be a lopsided one. But if we truly believe in family values, we 
should remember that the gay men and lesbians whom this legislation 
will affect are our sons and daughters, our sisters and brothers, our 
friends and colleagues. Before we enact legislation that further 
isolates them from the mainstream of society, we should consider 
carefully whether this legislation is needed, desired, or desirable. I 
do not believe that it is.

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