Intolerance inspired the unconstitutional federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) of 1996. The White House stressed that belief once more Saturday, OnTopMagazine reports. DOMA prohibits federal agencies from legally recognizing gay and lesbian marriages.
Retiring newlywed U.S. Rep. Barney Frank
The Obama administration already put its conclusion into practice. It ordered the Department of Justice to cease and desist defending DOMA in court in 2011. Acting Assistant Attorney General Stuart Delery outlined the department’s reasoning during the White House LGBT Conference on Families over the weekend. Delery serves in the civil division.
“The president and the attorney general concluded that laws that treat people differently based on their sexual orientation, like laws that make classifications based on gender or race, are inherently suspect and therefore must meet a higher burden to be found valid,” Delery said.
DOMA unquestionably targets the GLBT community and transforms them into second-class citizens based on their sexual orientation. Delery said prejudice, disapproval and stereotypes were significant motivations.
For instance, Delery noted, DOMA supporters said the law would promote procreation and responsible parenting. He stressed President Obama fully supports repealing DOMA. However, getting such legislation through the Republican-controlled House is nearly impossible.
President Obama’s commitment on gay issues has earned him praise from retiring U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., according to The Hill. But, Frank said his refusal to fully endorse marriage equality has become a liability.
Obama’s reticence to evolve on the issue earned the ire of the GLBT community this week. He avoided commenting on a pending North Carolina bill, which would ban civil unions and domestic partnerships, during a recent trip. Frank said the president’s expected silence was disheartening.
“It’s not a surprise,” Frank said. “He hasn’t yet said that he’s for [gay] marriage, so that’s a problem.”
Despite the disappointment, he cheered the Obama administration’s decision to abandon DOMA’s legal defense.
Photo: frank.house.gov
