White House: Marriage Act Unfair

Is the Obama administration finally moving on gay rights? “The Obama administration filed court papers Monday arguing that a federal marriage law discriminates against gays, even as government lawyers continue to defend the law,” according to NPR. "The administration believes the Defense of Marriage Act is discriminatory and should be repealed," said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler. The Obama administration is urging the 1996 law’s repeal while insisting that, in the meantime, government lawyers will continue to defend it since it is law. The Defense of Marriage Act prevents same-sex couples from receiving Social Security spousal benefits, filing joint federal taxes, and from receiving other federal rights attached to marriage.