All tag results for 'defense of marriage act'

This is what we like love to hear!

Back in February, we were VERY happy to hear the Justice Department's announcement that President Barack Obama called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, and that he would refuse to continue defending it.

As a reminder, the DOMA law "allows states not to recognize same-sex marriages preformed in other states and provides a federal definition for 'marriage' that excludes same-sex couples."

Now, Obama is

Tags: defense of marriage act, doma, equal rights for all, justice department, repeal, respect for marriage act, senate judiciary committee, unconstitutional

This is a positive step in many ways, but Obama STILL refuses to give the marriage equality issue the attention it needs!

Earlier this week, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation for LGBT Pride Month, which tackled a bunch of important issues in the LGBT community, BUT he didn't mention marriage equality OR the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Now, Obama's administration has launched a website dedicated to the LGBT issues mentioned in his proclamation, but marriage equality is STILL not being addressed!

With regards to the marriage equality issue, Obama has said that "he is 'evolving' on and 'wrestling' with the issue."

Here's what White House press secretary Jay Carney has said about why Obama hasn't announced public support for marriage equality:

"The president has said in the past what his position is. It hasn’t changed. And if it changes, I’m sure he’ll let you all know."

We support the launch of the Obama administration's website, but if they're going to put this much effort into supporting the LGBT community, why not go all the way and back marriage equality as well? Think about it, Obama!

EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL!

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: defense of marriage act, doma, equal rights for all, jay carney, lgbt, marriage equality, obama administration, pride month, website

It's a start…but we need more!

Yesterday, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation for LGBT Pride Month, which tackled a bunch of important issues in the LGBT community, BUT he didn't mention marriage equality OR the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

In his defense, he made reference to crucial issues including "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), workplace discrimination, and hate crimes, but we're disappointed that marriage equality didn't make its way into this proclamation.

Check out Obama's full proclamation AFTER THE JUMP and let us know what U think!

EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL!

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: dadt, defense of marriage act, doma, dont ask dont tell, lgbt, lgbt pride month, marriage equality, president, pride month, proclamation

Absolutely wonderful news, and hopefully a taste of things to come!

On Friday, an immigration judge in Newark, NJ granted a suspension on deportation for a Venezuelan man, Henry Velandia, who is in a same-sex marriage with an American man, Josh Vandiver.

Judge Alberto J. Riefkohl postponed the deportation until at least December, in order to "allow time for the attorney general and the appeals court to work out whether a gay partner might be eligible under some circumstances for residency."

Given the fact that President Barack Obama called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional back in February, it sounds like his administration could be getting onto the right path with regards to same-sex marriage issues.

We're very happy to hear this, and we truly hope that steps are taken to ensure that this married couple won't have to be apart come December.

EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL!

Tags: alberto j riefkohl, defense of marriage act, deportation, doma, henry velandia, immigration, josh vandiver, obama administration, same sex marriage, unconstitutional

More power to them! We can't commend them enough for taking such a massive stand!

Throughout the country, many married gay and lesbian couples have refused to file their federal tax returns separately this year, even though federal law STILL does not recognize same-sex marriage as legal!

Activists working under the "Refuse to Lie" campaign have decided that instead of checking "Single" or "Head of Household" status on their tax returns, they will take the risk and file with their partners!

Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, explains:

“More people are refusing to lie on those forms, even though the government is telling them to. It would be both dishonest and deeply humiliating to now disavow each other or our marriage and declare ourselves single on our tax form. People who follow this example need to do so with a clear head about the decision they are making and that what could happen is unclear. It’s not without risk.”

According to the Refuse To Lie website, in order to prevent getting in trouble while still declaring yourself married to your partner, you can 'adhere to the law while expressing that you disagree with it' - by putting an asterisk by the "single" box and then indicating that you are "only single under Defense of Marriage Act," or by attaching a note with a similar sentiment.

The website also explains that both people in a couple can file their own single return with the aforementioned attachment, and then file an amended return together:

"Once the I.R.S. rejects the amended return, or if six months passes and they do nothing, the taxpayers who file an amended return have the right to file suit in Federal District Court claiming the refund."

Wow. This is a huge statement to make, but such a powerful one!

Obviously, this isn't something that all couples in this predicament should feel they have to do, but for those who are, and are taking such a bold risk - congratulations for refusing to cooperate and letting the government blatantly marginalize our RIGHTS AS PEOPLE.

We are so proud of everyone taking a stand!

This kind of discriminatory nonsense will NOT be tolerated for much longer!

EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL.

Tags: campaign, defense of marriage act, equal rights, federal taxes, gay rights, policy, refuse to lie, taxes

We're VERY happy to hear this!

The Justice Department has just announced that President Obama believes the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, and he refuses to continue defending it.

Based on Obama's new stance on the act, his administration won't defend ongoing suits in two federal Appeal Courts relating to the act, and he'll "leave it to Congress to defend the law, known as DOMA, against those challenges."

For those unfamiliar, the DOMA law "allows states not to recognize same-sex marriages preformed in other states and provides a federal definition for 'marriage' that excludes same-sex couples."

Here's what Attorney General Eric Holder had to say about Obama's decision:

“After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the president has concluded that, given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny.”

More from Holder about Obama's views on Section 3 of DOMA, which defines “spouse” as a member of the opposite sex:

“[Section 3 of DOMA] fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional. Given that conclusion, the president has instructed the department not to defend the statute in such cases. I fully concur with the president’s determination.”

The DOMA law has not been overturned by Obama's new stance on it, but it's a MAJOR step in the right direction.

Here's what Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese had to say about it:

“This is a monumental decision for the thousands of same-sex couples and their families who want nothing more than the same rights and dignity afforded to other married couples. As the president has stated previously, DOMA unfairly discriminates against Americans and we applaud him for fulfilling his oath to defend critical constitutional principles.”

Thank you, Obama! Next, let's get DOMA overturned!!!

Thoughts???

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: defense of marriage act, doma, eric holder, human rights campaign, joe solmonese, justice department, same sex marriage, unconstitutional