Posted on 10/27/2014 7:36:47 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
As same-sex marriage became legal in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming recently, the federal government now recognizes gay married couples in 33 states, including the District of Columbia, according to Attorney General Eric Holder.
"With each new state where same-sex marriages are legally recognized, our nation moves closer to achieving full equality for all Americans," The Associated Press quoted Holder as saying.
Holder's announcement means married same-sex couples in 33 states will qualify for federal benefits, including Social Security and veterans' benefits.
"We are acting as quickly as possible with agencies throughout the government to ensure that same-sex married couples in these states receive the fullest array of benefits allowable under federal law," Holder added.
Holder's statement comes after the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear appeals from five states that wanted to retain their bans on gay marriage.
The attorney general added that same-sex marriages performed in Indiana and Wisconsin in June will also be recognized, according to USA Today.
About a week ago, the Supreme Court rejected a last-minute plea by Alaska, which had asked for more time to file more detailed appeals to use its sovereign power to define marriage, to block a federal court ruling striking down the state's ban on gay marriage.
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell's office said the state would resume issuing marriage licenses the following week even as it goes forward with a last-ditch legal appeal.
In Arizona, U.S. District Judge John Sedwick also ruled that the state's restrictions on same-sex marriage were "unconstitutional by virtue of the fact that they deny same-sex couples the equal protection of the law."
Arizona's attorney general Tom Horne said there was no point in appealing the ruling, and gave the go-ahead for marriages to proceed.
In Wyoming, federal judge Scott Skavdahl struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage and put his own ruling on hold until last Thursday or until state officials declare that they will not appeal.
Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said the ruling was against his personal beliefs but the state would not appeal because it would likely not succeed.
Federal judges started striking down state amendments and laws banning same-sex marriage as unconstitutional after the Supreme Court last June squashed a key part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA.
We are not a step closer to “full equality” for all Americans.
The liberals talk of “marriage equality”, but that is a misnomer. Those who want to be married in polygamy or group marriage are still discriminated against.
Does anyone think, that if we get to 50 state homosexual marriage, that the liberals/homosexuals will declare that we have achieved nirvana, and their cause is over? Or will they find something else to bitch about, as they move the goal posts to work towards more social change???
Exactly. They’re going to keep telling this lie that it was “accepted”, when it forced by the courts, to make low-info people who oppose the sodomite agenda feel they are marginal.
Always they find another target, another “wrong” they must “right”, and it is always in opposition to Christianity. Because Christianity is the real target.
I guess the chance to destroy civilization is the only thing that really lights a fire under these people.
The liberals talk of “marriage equality”, but that is a misnomer. Those who want to be married in polygamy or group marriage are still discriminated
I agree. But we all know polygamy is next along with recognizing pedophilia as normal.
RE: Forced by the courts and not accepted by the people!
I think that’s their strategy... once the government imposes it, and teaches it in schools with such books for children as “HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMIES”, the population will slowly, but surely accept it.
It’s the Alinsky way.
Homosexuality goes against the natural order as well. If left to itself, homosexuals would become extinct. It's just a fact.
Second word of the title is the first error. It should be mandates.
Make that third word. I am less awake than I thought.
The only thing we are one step closer to is this.
"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness"
That’s what I’m saying. These liberals can say that the goal of “full equality” is getting closer. But if we get to 50 state homosexual marriage, the goal posts will be moved, and some other cause will replace monogamous homosexual marriage as needed to “fight discrimination” and provide “equality” in some other way.
Only 24 more to go.
So what?
I will never recognize that "marriage."
The pro-sodomy crowd can call it anything they want; marriage it ain't.
So, a dog now has five legs if you consider the tail a leg.
NO, a dog still has ONLY four legs, and sodomite marriage is STILL an imitation marriage.
Fifty years ago the Hippie movement declared marriage DEAD, old hat, outdated! You didn’t need a piece of paper to show someone you loved each other. the shack up was the way to go if you were sincere. live together then move on to someone else.
Today the liberal feeling is marriage is the most important thing two people can engage in, BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE GAY!
Judges should not have more power than the people
Without a doubt. I’m just wondering what the next target will be.
the bottom line, so to speak, no matter how many times a homosexual couple has sex together there is zero point zero chance of reproduction. No law, social policy, or political dogma will change that.
Americas slide down the hole continues.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.