Ethics

DOJ Files New DOMA Brief

By Ed Brayton

The DOJ has filed a new brief in a case challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, after their old brief caused a furious reaction among gay rights advocates. Chris Geidner has the details. They're still defending the constitutionality of DOMA but made clear that the administration opposes the policy and wants it repealed by Congress. President Obama even took the unusual step of releasing a statement about the new brief:

Today, the Department of Justice has filed a response to a legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged. This brief makes clear, however, that my Administration believes that the Act is discriminatory and should be repealed by Congress. I have long held that DOMA prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits. While we work with Congress to repeal DOMA, my Administration will continue to examine and implement measures that will help extend rights and benefits to LGBT couples under existing law.

Full post as published by Dispatches from the Culture Wars on August 18, 2009 (boomark / email).