Massachusetts is suing the federal government over a law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
State Attorney General Martha Coakley filed the lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Boston. It says that DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, interferes with the right of Massachusetts to define marriage as it sees fit.
Martha Coakley:
"DOMA is a law that codifies discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Because of this law, individuals in same-sex marriages often pay more in federal income taxes, are not eligible for surviving spouse benefits from the Social Security Administration and, if they are employed by the federal government, cannot obtain healthcare coverage for their spouses."
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Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania, a former West Point professor and Iraq War vet, is the lead sponsor of legislation to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell:
"Our president, President Barack Obama, has stated that If Congress can get a bill to his desk repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, he will sign it into law. It is now our job, and my job specifically, to quarterback this through the Congress of the United States to do just that. I can not tell you today how long it's gonna take. All I can tell ya is that paratroopers don't quit, and paratroopers get the job done. To remove honorable, talented and committed Americans from serving in our military is contrary to the values that our military holds dear."
I'm glad to hear this
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