DB: Attorney General Eric Holder [announced] Saturday that the Department of Justice will grant “lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law.” This statement...at a speech at a gala held by the Human Rights Campaign, represents the next step of Obama’s “pen and phone” strategy, which consists of trying to accomplish with executive action what the President cannot through the legislative process.
The DOJ will grant same-sex couples in all 50 states the same benefits currently enjoyed by those in traditional marriages in the criminal justice system and other programs administered by the Attorney General.
Opposite-sex marriage? Rights? See, civil union rights aren't good enough. If married couples can't give up their marriage status and recognize all as civil unions across the board, then we're to relinquish the institution of marriage to ambiguity altogether. Who's discriminating against who here?
USAToday: Opponents of gay marriage were quick to criticize the Obama administration.Related link: Justice Department Announcement Illustrates Administration's Lawlessness
In a statement, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said the extension of federal benefits, even in states that do not recognize same-sex couples, "is yet another illustration of the lawlessness of this administration." Perkins said the Justice Department's decision highlights the need for Congress to pass legislation that would require federal agencies to only recognize gay and lesbian marriages in states where it is legal.
Sandy Rios, director of governmental affairs for American Family Association, also lambasted the latest move.
"While the Holder Justice Department has no time to investigate Fast and Furious or Benghazi, where Americans lost their lives, it has plenty for gay 'rights,'" she said. "I guess you could say money and privilege for homosexuals trumps life and liberty for other Americans."
