Engel, Lowey Call for Gay Marriage Equality

With the country's highest court mulling two polemic, same-sex marriage issues—the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California's Proposition 8—Scarsdale officials have weighed in.

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-16) called DOMA a major error, and urged the Supreme Court to overturn the law.

 "In 1996, I voted against DOMA, one of only 67 House Members to do so," Engel said. "This law was a huge mistake then, and remains one today. The federal government should not be in the business of discrimination and the suppression of benefits and rights." 

"I am hopeful we are witnessing the last days of this ill-conceived law," he added.

DOMA defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and precludes same-sex couples from receiving several federal benefits.

Nita Lowey, Engel's counterpart in northern Westchester and Rockland, spoke out recently, echoing Engel's view—but Lowey voted for the law in 1996.

"My views have evolved," she said Wednesday, standing with White Plains mayor Tom Roach and a slew of LGBT activists. "Frankly, the views of most Americans have changed for the better."