Pelosi Statement on the Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement following the announcement of new legislation to update the tax code to reflect the recent Supreme Court marriage equality ruling:

"LGBT Americans no longer have to live with the indignity of invisibility, thanks to the recent Supreme Court decision legalizing marriage equality. Now, we are moving forward to ensure our laws reflect the beautiful diversity of our democracy. Today, we have proposed new legislation to remove another vestige of discrimination from our country's laws.

"Inclusive language that honors the dignity of married LGBT couples creates a more just, more welcoming environment for all Americans. By removing gender-specific references in the tax code, we have the opportunity to celebrate our sacred belief that all people are created equal and should be treated with respect. This is about honoring the equal dignity of legally married same-sex couples in the Internal Revenue Code and, by extension, honoring the basic humanity of all our citizens.

"We must continue the fight for full protections that are long overdue for LGBT Americans, many of whom can still be fired for who they are and whom they love. No American should ever lose their job, their home, be denied the chance to serve their country or forced to live in fear because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Until the dignity of every person is honored under the law, our work continues."

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