Sat. July 10, 2010
Chicago, IL -
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) and a number of Illinois Democrats are applauding Thursday's decision by federal Judge Joseph Tauro to declare a portion of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional.
"I applaud the decisions of the Federal District Court," said Quigley. "I agree that the Defense of Marriage Act is an unconstitutional intrusion into state and individual rights, and I will continue to push for its repeal. These decisions affirm Lincoln's statement at Gettysburg that this nation is always moving towards freedom and equality for all."
North Shore Democratic congressional hopeful Dan Seals issued the following statement.
"I am encouraged to see that a federal court has recognized the Defense of Marriage Act's unconstitutionality and will reiterate my support for DOMA's full repeal," said Seals. "It is a disappointing injustice that same-sex couples don't have the same rights – be it healthcare, employment benefits, or tax fairness – that my family does. Our constitution sets forth fundamental human rights that must apply to all Americans equally, and this is an important step in the right direction."
Seals, who is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), is running against Republican Bod Dold for the 10th Congressional District seat left open by five-term Republican Rep. Mark Kirk who is running for the Senate against Alexi Giannoulias.
According to a Chicago Sun-Times candidate questionnaire, Dold opposes marriage equality and supports DOMA.
Seals supports the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and opposes a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. He also supports expanding ENDA, the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell', and increasing federal funding for HIV prevention, treatment, and research. Seals' positions on LGBT equality can be found at http://www.dansealsforcongress.com/issues/lgbt.
In the race for Senate, Giannoulias has said he would support the repeal of DOMA. Giannoulias' positions on LGBT equality can be found at http://www.alexiforillinois.com/issues/lgbt-rights.
Kirk's campaign website makes no reference to any LGBT issues. Kirk, a Republican who is seen as a political moderate, has been dogged by claims that he is a closeted gay man.
The U.S. Justice Department has yet to announce whether it will appeal Thursday's decision in Massachusetts.
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