Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement today after President Obama declared his support for marriage equality:

"I am proud that President Barack Obama today announced his belief that marriage equality should extend to all Americans.  The President's announcement marks what I hope will be one of the final steps towards total equality for LGBT Americans.  

I have been a staunch advocate of LGBT rights throughout my career.  I was one of the 66 members of the House who voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.  I knew then that it was discrimination, pure and simple.  We lost that battle, but fortunately the tide has turned in favor of same-sex marriage.

I am proud that my home state of New York helped spearhead the movement towards marriage equality when it legalized same-sex marriage last July.  That year I voted to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and gave my unwavering support to help pave the way for openly gay and lesbian soldiers to serve their country.

The arc of history moved forward today for millions of LGBT Americans who deserve the same rights and privileges enjoyed by every other couple.  We should all be proud that President Obama bravely stood up to be the first American president to give a ringing endorsement to marriage equality. We must continue fighting for equal rights for every American citizen."