Justice Department will no longer defend DOMA in legal challenges
Washington (CNN)– President Barack Obama has ordered the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as only between a man and woman, according to a statement Wednesday from Attorney General Eric Holder.
"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.
The key provisions in the law "fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional."
"Given that conclusion, the president has instructed the (Justice Department) not to defend the statute" in two pending cases in New York state, Holder said. "I fully concur with the president's determination."
Thank you Mr. President! Good job!
About time.
From ignoring our border security problem, to refusing to defend existing laws (such as Defense of Marriage Act), it seems this President has (embarassingly) decided to pick and choose which laws to enforce. That, coupled with astronomical spending sprees, record trade defecits, nation wide budget deficits in every state, historical losses without comparison in the 2010 elections, and finally – the "signature" legislation being an unconstitutional health care law – it's no wonder that many desperate Americans simply want 2012 to come quickly to vote out this Administration!
I can't wait now I can marry my great Dane Max. It will be a same sex but different species marriage
So, what exactly does this mean?
This is very good news to hear.(:
This is a brave stance on the president's part. DOMA serves no purpose other than to a marginalize a group of citizens by legislating the religious convictions of a group of people who are not affected by the act. It's frustrating to see how the very names given to our legislation have become a sort of propaganda. I guess FOHA (Fear of Homosexuality Act) didn't have the same ring to it.
No hateful people from the bible belt trolling around here yet? WHat is the miracle?
President Obama does not represent me in this matter I am embarassed by his abuse of authority
About time...
Does this mean he is or is not in favor for same sex marriage?
If the justice department wanted to do its job it would arrest every member of the bush administration instead of relying on other countries to do it for them!!
So like the supreme "right wing"court,
Justice you get a bigfat,
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
This is a great day for the civil rights cause!
YAY!
Finally.
Another big win for the Tea Party!!! Less interference in state's right! Get used to it people. More Tea Party solutions coming every day!
Score one for equality! I know there are already federal cases out there in the court system.
So, who, if anyone, has standing to defend DOMA?
He will need all the special interest votes he can muster in November.
Thank you President Obama! As a worker and tax payer of this great nation, I would greatly appreciate equal rights for my family.
Homosexuality is defined by sex. Period. It cannot be defined by marriage. It cannot be defined by children. Homosexuality is defined by sexual intercourse. Heterosexuality is defined by God.
🙂
Wow
God created adam and eve. -not adam and steve. read about homosexuality in the bible and how god see's it. why are they seeking permision from man when god said do not.
Now I am really suprise that President Obama is moving in the direction of redefining marriage.It is a sad day for America.Marriage is between a man and woman and no matter who tries to change be it the president or not,the American people will defend this sacred institution.
The key provisions in the law "fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional."
"Given that conclusion, the president has instructed the (Justice Department) not to defend the statute" in two pending cases in New York state, Holder said. "I fully concur with the president's determination."
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Silly me... and hear I thought it was the role of the US Supreme Court to decide whether something was unconstitutional!! It appears this administration doesn't seem obligated to consulting them per our Constitution. These people are a danger to this country and must be removed in 2012.