The Obama administration on Friday said
that it would call on the Supreme Court to strike down gay marriage
bans in all 50 states.
Attorney General Eric Holder said in a
statement released soon after the high court announced that it would
hear cases challenging bans in four states that the Justice
Department would file an amicus brief in support of plaintiff
couples.
(Related: Supreme
Court agrees to hear four cases challenging gay marriage bans.)
“After the Justice Department's
decision not to defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of the
Defense of Marriage Act, the Supreme Court sent a powerful message
that Americans in same-sex marriages are entitled to equal protection
and equal treatment under the law,” Holder said in a statement.
“This landmark decision marked a historic step toward equality for
all American families.”
“The Supreme Court has announced that
it will soon hear several cases raising core questions concerning the
constitutionality of same-sex marriages. As these cases proceed, the
Department of Justice will remain committed to ensuring that the
benefits of marriage are available as broadly as possible. And we
will keep striving to secure equal treatment for all members of
society – regardless of sexual orientation.”
“As such, we expect to file a 'friend
of the court' brief in these cases that will urge the Supreme Court
to make marriage equality a reality for all Americans. It is time
for our nation to take another critical step forward to ensure the
fundamental equality of all Americans – no matter who they are,
where they come from, or whom they love.”
Gay couples can currently marry in 36
states, plus the District of Columbia.