The Obama administration will petition the Supreme Court for marriage equality when it hears the case in April, Attorney General Eric Holder announced Friday.
“The Department of Justice will remain committed to ensuring that the benefits of marriage are available as broadly as possible,” he said in a statement. “And we will keep striving to secure equal treatment for all members of society — regardless of sexual orientation.”
The nation’s highest court announced Friday that it would hear a case determining whether gay couples have a right under the Constitution to marry. The contentious subject is likely to be the most controversial court case since Roe v. Wade.
Mr. Holder noted the Justice Department has already chosen not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court, and will file a “friend of the court” brief urging the Supreme Court to allow gay marriage.
“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,” Mr. Holder said.
• Phillip Swarts can be reached at pswarts@washingtontimes.com.
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