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