“Equal rights under the law for families is fundamental to our American values. Marriage is defined by commitment and love, and it is important that the U.S. Supreme Court recognized that all married couples must be treated equally. The decision will have a positive, meaningful impact for all Americans, and I am proud to have signed an amicus brief in support of overturning the Defense of Marriage Act."

"Florida leaders should embrace this decision and address the outdated and discriminatory Article I; Section 27 of the Florida Constitution that bars many Florida married couples from equal rights and treatment even after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling today." 

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL, District 14) has been a long-standing supporter of equal rights and diversity. In addition to signing the federal amicus brief in opposition to DOMA, U.S. Rep. Castor is a cosponsor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, was a cosponsor of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act that was signed into law in 2010, and was the only Hillsborough County commissioner to vote against the gay pride ban resolution in 2005.