Center Blog

Breaking news this afternoon!  President Obama has directed the Justice Department to stop defending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) against lawsuits that challenge it as unconstitutional. Enacted in 1996, DOMA denies married same-sex couples federal benefits extended to other married couples, including Social Security survivor payments and the right to file joint tax returns.

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. released a statement that read in part:

After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, 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.  The President has also concluded that Section 3 of DOMA, as applied to legally married same-sex couples, fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional.  Given that conclusion, the President has instructed the Department not to defend the statute in such cases.  I fully concur with the President’s determination.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center applauds today’s decision.  This moves our community one step closer to a day when loving committed same-sex couples are fully protected under the law. This month and next the Center is at the forefront of hosting marriage equality discussions, as we feature and continue to welcome a myriad of voices on the topic.  You can read more about our events here.
Today’s marriage equality news is a victory for our community and the Center is committed to furthering discussion and advocacy around this issue as we all continue to work towards full equality.

Glennda Testone

The New York Times editorial page voiced strong support for marriage equality this week, calling for an end to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which “denies married same-sex couples the federal benefits granted to other married couples, including Social Security survivor payments and the right to file joint tax returns.”

The marriage issue continues grabbing headlines across the country as more states move towards equality and others face threats from anti-gay forces trying to take marriage away from our community. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is at the forefront of those discussions, as we welcome a host of voices on the topic this spring.  Four upcoming events scheduled here are literally putting the topic front and “Center.” 

On February 18, as part of our “Women’s Film Series” we are hosting a screening of “Till Death Do Us Part,” the first-ever comprehensive film exploring marriage for same-sex couples. On February 22 the “Center’s Speaker’s Series” features Dr. Isaac Namdar, who was excommunicated from his synagogue after the congregation learned that he married his partner. Dr. Namdar will discuss his new book about the ordeal, “In This Day And Age.” On February 28 we tackle the issue of immigration inequality, exploring the heart wrenching challenges faced by bi-national couples who must choose between the person they love and the country they love because of a lack of federal marriage protections. And on March 10 we bring together a panel of leading experts to examine the fundamental issues surrounding marriage, including Brian Ellner, Senior Strategist for the Human Rights Campaign; Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry; and Ross Levi, Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda.

Marriage inequality creates great hardships for loving and committed same-sex couples who just want the same opportunity to take care of and be responsible for one another. There are numerous ongoing court challenges to the discriminatory (DOMA) and this week’s The New York Times editorial challenged the federal government to stop defending it. “By now, such blatant discrimination should be presumed to be unconstitutional, and the Justice Department should finally say so,” wrote The Times. The Center is excited to give marriage equality a substantial platform this month and next and we welcome you to our space to learn more, find out how you can advocate on this issue and explore the best options for protecting your partner and your family.

Glennda Testone