President Barack Obama has decided that a federal law against gay marriage is unconstitutional and will no longer defend it in court, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
For background, read Obama 'Defends' Marriage yet Promises its Destruction, and also read, Homosexualists to Force Obama off the Fence
UPDATE 3/9/11: Congressional Republicans will defend DOMA in court, in absence of DOJ
-- From "Obama to stop defending federal gay marriage ban" by Steven Thomma, McClatchy Newspapers 2/23/11
However, Obama will continue to enforce the law, called the Defense of Marriage Act, until it is either struck down by the courts or repealed by Congress, which he has urged, according to White House press secretary Jay Carney.
"Much of the legal landscape has changed in the 15 years since Congress passed DOMA," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.
"The Supreme Court has ruled that laws criminalizing homosexual conduct are unconstitutional. Congress has repealed the military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy. Several lower courts have ruled DOMA itself to be unconstitutional."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama drops defense of law against gay marriage" by the CNN Wire Staff 2/23/11
"The president has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny," Holder said.
Obama has previously expressed his personal opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act but had never stated an opinion relating to its constitutionality.
Republicans immediately ripped the decision, calling it a distraction at a time when the focus needs to be on the economy.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the administration had to make a decision before the court-imposed deadline.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
