Thu 24 Feb 2011 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
US President Barack Obama's government has announced it will no longer defend a federal law which bans the recognition of gay marriage. The president says the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it defines marriage as only being between men and women. A White House spokesperson insists the move does not reflect a change in the president's policy on gay marriage, but admitted he is still 'grappling' with his personal views on the subject. While Obama's about face does not legalise same sex marriage it should stop the US Department of Justice from opposing state or federal legislation recognising such unions. And it should extend to legally sanctioned same sex couples the spousal benefits available to married federal employees.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 24th February 2011 - 1:50pm