FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2013

Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343

Statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Supreme Court Ruling on Defense of Marriage Act

Today’s Supreme Court decision finding the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional is a victory for equality, which is a core belief of this administration.

It is also a victory for families, especially those children whose parents’ legal same sex marriages can now be recognized under federal law.

As a result of today’s ruling, the federal government is no longer forced to discriminate against legally married same sex couples.

The Supreme Court’s decision on DOMA reaffirms the core belief that we are all created equal and must be treated as equal.

The Department of Health and Human Services will work with the Department of Justice to review all relevant federal statutes and ensure this decision is implemented swiftly and smoothly.

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Last revised: June 26, 2013