Supporters, opponents of gay marriage look to White House for next move after Mass. ruling
By APFriday, July 9, 2010
White House silent on Mass. gay marriage ruling
BOSTON — Supporters and opponents of a law denying married gay couples federal benefits are waiting to see if the Obama administration will appeal a ruling from a federal judge who found the law unconstitutional.
President Barack Obama has said he favors repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. But the Justice Department has defended the law, as it is required to do.
The administration was silent Friday on whether it would appeal rulings by Judge Joseph Tauro, who found the federal law unconstitutional. He ruled it interferes with the right of a state to define marriage and denies married gay couples benefits given to heterosexual couples.
The rulings apply only to Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2004.
Gay marriage supporters are hoping the rulings could prompt other states to file their own challenges.
