The Human Rights Campaign is calling on supporters to contact their representatives in Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

The Respect for Marriage Act, introduced this week by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and sponsored by more than 100 House members, will repeal DOMA, the 1996 law that restricts federal recognition of marriage to one man and one woman.

According to the HRC:

“The Defense of Marriage Act is denying tens of thousands of legally married lesbian and gay couples across the country more than 1,000 federal protections they deserve. These federal protections of marriage include Social Security survivors' benefits, family and medical leave, equal compensation as federal employees, and immigration rights, among others.”

A U.S. House panel voted March 9 along party lines to direct general counsel to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court following President Obama’s announcement that his administration would no longer defend the statute against litigation.

The petition is fairly simple to fill out and send. Once you enter your information (name, address, e-mail), a letter is automatically populated and sent to your representative in the House. Click here to to fill out the form and submit.