Lowey, Citing Evolution of Views, Assails DOMA

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) was one of several politicians and activists calling for the overturn of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in White Plains Wednesday morning.

Lowey spoke from City Hall's front steps, saying "any American should be able to walk into city halls like this one and marry the person they love."

"It is unacceptable and wrong for the government to discriminate against gay and lesbian couples, and that is what the DOMA does," she added. "It must be overturned. It is time for marriage equality in America."

The law, passed in 1996, defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and prevents same-sex couples from receiving several federal benefits.

Lowey voted in favor of the law 17 years ago.

"[But] my views have evolved," she said Wednesday, standing with White Plains mayor Tom Roach and a slew of LGBT activists. "Frankly, the views of most Americans have changed for the better."

Lowey said she has been married for 50 years, and wants same-sex couples to have access to the same federal benefits her and her husband have.

The Supreme Court is currently assessing the constitutionality of DOMA.

---