[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
[September 20, 1996]
[Page 1635]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Same-Gender Marriage
September 20, 1996

    Throughout my life I have strenuously opposed discrimination of any 
kind, including discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans. I am 
signing into law H.R. 3396, a bill relating to same-gender marriage, but 
it is important to note what this legislation does and does not do.
    I have long opposed governmental recognition of same-gender 
marriages, and this legislation is consistent with that position. The 
act confirms the right of each State to determine its own policy with 
respect to same-gender marriage and clarifies for purposes of Federal 
law the operative meaning of the terms ``marriage'' and ``spouse.''
    This legislation does not reach beyond those two provisions. It has 
no effect on any current Federal, State, or local antidiscrimination law 
and does not constrain the right of Congress or any State or locality to 
enact antidiscrimination laws. I therefore would take this opportunity 
to urge Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, an act 
which would extend employment discrimination protections to gays and 
lesbians in the workplace. This year the Senate considered this 
legislation contemporaneously with the act I sign today and failed to 
pass it by a single vote. I hope that in its next session Congress will 
pass it expeditiously.
    I also want to make clear to all that the enactment of this 
legislation should not, despite the fierce and at times divisive 
rhetoric surrounding it, be understood to provide an excuse for 
discrimination, violence, or intimidation against any person on the 
basis of sexual orientation. Discrimination, violence, and intimidation 
for that reason, as well as others, violate the principle of equal 
protection under the law and have no place in American society.

Note: H.R. 3396, approved September 21, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
199.