White House silent on Mass. gay marriage ruling

[WillParkinson]

White House silent on Mass. gay marriage ruling
By The Associated Press
07.12.2010 10:00am EDT

(Boston) A key part of a law denying married gay couples federal benefits has been thrown out the window in Massachusetts, the first state to legalize gay marriage. The ball now lies in the White House’s court, which must carefully calculate the next move by an administration that has faced accusations it has not vigorously defended the law of the land.

President Barack Obama has said repeatedly that he would like to see the federal Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA, repealed. But the Justice Department has defended the constitutionality of the law, which it is required to do.

The administration was silent Friday on whether it would appeal rulings by U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro. Spokespeople for the White House and the Justice Department said officials are still reviewing the rulings.

DOMA defines marriage as between a man and a woman, prevents the federal government from recognizing gay marriages and allows states to deny recognition of same-sex unions performed elsewhere. Since the law passed in 1996, many states have instituted their own bans on gay marriage, and a handful have allowed the practice.

http://www.365gay.com/news/white-house-silent-on-mass-gay-marriage-ruling/

[tavalon]

1. Better silent than actively fighting it

Better yet would be them coming out in favor of the ruling but I'd recommend not holding your breath.