LAS VEGAS -- Today US Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Department of Justice will no longer defend Section 3 of the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) because it is unconstitutional.
“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. The President has also concluded that Section 3 of DOMA, as applied to legally married same-sex couples, 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.” Attorney General Eric Holder in a statement issued today.
Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada applauds the decision, bravery and leadership of President Obama, Attorney General Holder and the Department of justice for standing up to the forces of hatred and doing what's right for all American people. We will continue to support the President in his efforts to make America the land that it was intended to be by our founding fathers. This is a country that embraces the diversity and supports the equality of all its citizens. We salute the President and celebrate his leadership.
“President Obama has repeatedly shown himself to be a true friend of America’s LGBTQ community. His repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the elimination of the pre-existing condition clauses in Affordable Care Act combined with this historic decision confirms SDCSN's support of President Obama; and we will fight hard to see him reelected in 2012."
-- SDSN Chairman Derek Washington
