Washington D.C., Mar 5, 2011 / 05:17 am
Speaker of the House John Boehner agreed March 4 to legally defend the Defense of Marriage Act, after the Obama administration refused to do so. Boehner’s decision came after Catholic and other interfaith leaders urged his involvement.
House Speaker Rep. Boehner (R-Ohio) issued a statement on March 4 promising to convene a bipartisan legal advisory group to defend the marriage act, after the Obama Administration recently said the law discriminated against gay couples and that it believes the measure is unconstitutional.
“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.”