Defense of Marriage Act will be defended by House-appointed lawyer, Boehner says

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WASHINGTON — House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio,
said Friday that that he and other House leaders plan to appoint a
lawyer to defend in court the 1996 law that says the federal government
will not recognize gay marriages or give federal benefits to gay
couples.

“It is regrettable that the Obama administration has
opened this divisive issue at a time when Americans want their leaders
to focus on jobs and the challenges facing our economy,” Boehner said.
“The constitutionality of this law should be determined by the courts —
not by the president unilaterally — and this action by the House will
ensure the matter is addressed in a manner consistent with our
Constitution.”

The Defense of Marriage Act had broad bipartisan support in Congress, and it was signed into law by former President Clinton,
Boehner said. He said he will meet with a five-member leadership group
that includes the Republican and Democratic leaders in the House to
decide on how to proceed.

Last week, the Obama administration announced it will not defend the law against challenges in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York that were brought by same-sex couples who were legally married. Attorney General Eric Holder said he and President Obama decided that it was unconstitutional to deny equal benefits to these married couples.

The administration stopped short of saying the
entire law is unconstitutional, however, and its action does not affect
the many states that refuse to authorize gay marriages.

The administration also said it will continue to
enforce the law — including its denial of benefits — until the courts
rule it is unconstitutional.

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