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Obama Justice Department Continues Defense of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' While Ending Fight Against DOMA

February 23, 2011

(Washington, DC) - Log Cabin Republicans issue the following statement in response to the Justice Department's announcement that it will no longer defend Section 3 of the so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act,' which required the federal government to disregard same-sex marriages legally conducted in several states.

"The so-called Defense of Marriage Act is an unprecedented intrusion by the federal government upon the right of states to make their own decisions about what makes a marriage. When a state like New Hampshire elects to recognize all marriages, regardless of sexual orientation, it is not the role of the federal government to intervene. As conservatives and as federalists, Log Cabin Republicans welcome this decision," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "However, it is important to note that the same Department of Justice, under the command of President Obama, continues to defend the failed and unconstitutional 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy in court, and will be submitting their arguments this Friday, February 25th. This is just one more example of the Obama administration talking out of both sides of its mouth when it comes to equality for all Americans. Today Log Cabin Republicans call upon the Department of Justice to also admit that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is indefensible."

Log Cabin Republicans have maintained a three-front strategy against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' lobbying for repeal in Congress, consulting with the Department of Defense, and filing suit in federal court. The case went to trial in July of 2010, and Judge Virginia Phillips ruled on September 9, 2010 that the policy violated the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.