GOP will try to support embattled marriage statute
Reporting from Washington — House Republican leaders said Monday they intend to support the Defense of Marriage Act after the Obama administration announced last week it would no longer legally defend the law, which it considers unconstitutional.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is reviewing ways to provide legal support for the law, a spokesman said. The House could file friend-of-the-court briefs or take other steps.
“All available options are under discussion,” Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said.
The Defense of Marriage Act, signed into law in 1996 by President Clinton, defines marriage as between a man and a woman. One provision says states that do not sanction same-sex marriages are not required to recognize gay and lesbian marriages from states that do.
The Obama administration announced last week it would no longer defend the law against legal challenges, a step welcomed by gay-rights supporters.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the House majority leader, called the administration’s stance “very troubling” and said he expected the House to take action by Friday.
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