WASHINGTON – House Speaker John Boehner says the House counsel will defend the federal ban on gay marriage, now that the Obama administration won’t.
A five-member panel appointed by Boehner voted 3-2 on party lines to defend the law.
Last month, Attorney General Eric Holder announced the Obama administration will no longer defend Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court on the grounds that it violates equal rights.
“The constitutionality of this law should be determined by the courts – not by the president unilaterally,” Boehner said earlier this week. “This action by the House will ensure the matter is addressed in a manner consistent with our Constitution.”
In response, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said, “Apparently, the Republicans’ jobs plan is a full employment project for right-wing lawyers bent on defending discrimination. With today’s vote, Speaker Boehner has made clear that an anti-equality agenda trumps helping American families in tough economic times, including loving and committed couples who are legally married in their states.”
The decision by the president not to defend DOMA was made by Obama himself, because he believes the law is unconstitutional. However, a spokesman for the White House said that it is not a reflection of a change of the president’s position on gay marriage.
The president is still “grappling” with his personal views on the matter; however, he has consistently described DOMA as “unnecessary” and “unfair.”
