Press Release

Humanists Celebrate Defeat of FMA

(Washington, July 14, 2004) The American Humanist Association joined today with a broad coalition of organizations concerned with civil rights in praising the Senators who chose not to enshrine discrimination into the U.S. Constitution by voting against the Federal Marriage Amendment. “This politically motivated struggle was driven by religious right fundamentalists who sought to divide America, but was confronted by a sound majority who would not tolerate a rush to amend the Constitution in a way that would legally and socially stigmatize millions of American citizens,” stated Mel Lipman, president of the AHA.

For decades the AHA has been standing up for the rights of gays and lesbians. Seven years ago its Board of Directors unambiguously declared that it “reaffirms the validity and supports the legalization of same-sex marriages in all states of the United States.” As an organization involved in actively opposing the FMA since its inception, the AHA celebrates its defeat.

“The vote today achieves a victory not only for gay and lesbian citizens across the country but for all Americans who value the proud traditions of equal rights, anti-discrimination, and church-state separation. The Senate made it clear today that the Constitution will not be used to deny its citizens rights,” Lipman continued.

The Senate’s rejection of the Federal Marriage Amendment allows the debate on the issue to continue. Citizens, the courts, and both state and federal governments are still able to examine the issues surrounding same-sex marriage.

“We maintain hope that today’s vote will put an end to attempts to amend the Constitution to confer second-class citizenship upon some Americans. While we welcome the continuing meaningful discourse on same-sex marriage, and will remain active on the issue at the state level, it is time for the Bush administration and Congress to stop pursuing such divisive and discriminatory measures,” explained Lipman.

Press Room