Progress Illinois

Since joining the ranks of Congress, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) hasn't masked his disdain for politicians' willingness to uphold anti-gay policies. Just weeks after being sworn in, the Chicago Democrat called for a repeal of the "morally repugnant" U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy because of its blatant discrimination against gay and lesbian soldiers. Shortly after, Quigley penned a letter urging President Obama to see that same-sex unions were recognized in the Census count. And at a press conference this morning, he announced that he's co-sponsoring legislation aimed at repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Watch:

Under DOMA, which was signed into law 13 years ago, same sex couples can be denied more than 1,100 federal protections and benefits -- from Social Security to immigration -- that married couples accept and often take for granted. Under the new Respect for Marriage Act of 2009, those restrictions would be lifted. Quigley explains the significance via a statement:

The fact of the matter is, repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will be a huge national step toward marriage equality, but until individual states across our country recognize and legalize these unions, many people will still not be allowed their human rights.  Some states have already righted this wrong, but DOMA is holding equality back. The policy is as discriminatory as it is nonsensical.  Same-sex couples married under state laws serve their communities, pay taxes, and raise their families the same as anyone else.