The Obama administration's move to divorce itself from the Defense of Marriage Act drew cheers from Virginia's major gay-rights organization and disappointment from the group that pushed through the state's same-sex-marriage ban in 2006.
"The president is responsible for defending the laws duly enacted by Congress," said Victoria Cobb, president of The Family Foundation of Virginia. "It's disappointing that he would unilaterally make a decision to abdicate that duty."
Cobb said 31 states have enacted marriage amendments defining marriage as between a man and a woman, "and the voters believe they are reasonable measures."
But Claire Gastañaga, lobbyist for Equality Virginia, called Attorney General Eric Holder's letter to Congress "a very positive development."
"It's just another step along the path to achieving full equality," said Gastañaga, who predicted that Holder's opinion — "whether it's two weeks from now or two years from now" — will have the same impact that the 1967 Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court decision had on ending state bans on interracial marriage.
Gastañaga is excited that the Obama administration decision will open up the possibility that same-sex married couples would be treated equally under the tax code. Under the Defense of Marriage Act, they must file individual returns.
Cobb said The Family Foundation will sign on to some letters asking the Obama administration to continue to defend the law.
"I don't think anyone should be surprised," Cobb said. "This administration has been clear on its position on gay rights, but they stand outside the majority of Americans."
mwilliams@timesdispatch.com
(804) 649-6815
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Results Loading...