The Obama administration today filed legal papers claiming that the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, actively discriminates against gay people and urges the repeal of the act.
The papers did say, however, that Justice Department officials would continue to enforce the law so long as it is on the books.
“The administration believes the Defense of Marriage Act is discriminatory and should be repealed,” said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler, because it denies equal rights and benefits under the law based on sexual orientation.
The law gives states the right to deny marriage licenses that are between two same-sex partners and stipulates no recognition of same-sex marriages at the federal level.
Libertarians strongly oppose DOMA and challenged House and Senate Democrats today to commit to providing equal protection under the law, regardless of orientation.
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