Obama administration’s multiple policy disorder unleashed in gay marriage lawsuit
”This administration does not support DOMA as a matter of policy, believes that it is discriminatory, and supports its repeal… Consistent with the rule of law, however, the Department of Justice has long followed the practice of defending federal statutes as long as reasonable arguments can be made in support of their constitutionality, even if the department disagrees with a particular statute as a policy matter, as it does here.”
Legal brief filed by Attorney General Tony West in the case of a California gay couple vs. the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. (Los Angeles Times)
”Today, the Department of Justice has filed a response to a legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged. This brief makes clear, however, that my Administration believes that the Act is discriminatory and should be repealed by Congress. I have long held that DOMA prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits. While we work with Congress to repeal DOMA, my Administration will continue to examine and implement measures that will help extend rights and benefits to LGBT couples under existing law.”
Statement from President Barack Obama regarding the Justice Department’s defense of the anti-gay marriage law passed by Congress in the 1990s and signed into law by Bill Clinton. The law effectively forbids the entire federal government from ever granting rights, benefits and privileges to any gay or lesbian couple that has been legally married, and it specifically allows states to ignore the marriage status of gays and lesbians who have been legally joined in other states. (Los Angeles Times)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
