President Barack Obama has signaled his support for a bill that would repeal the 1996 Defense Of Marriage Act, which banned the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriage even when couples could marry under state law, the National Journal reported.
White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday that the president “is proud” to support the repeal effort, “which would take the Defense Of Marriage Act off the books for one and for all.”
Carney also said the president has “long called for a legislative appeal for the so-called Defense Of Marriage Act, which continues to have a real impact on families.”
A bill to repeal DOMA, called the “Respect For Marriage Act,” was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).
The Senate Judiciary Committee also held a hearing on the bill Wednesday featuring both representatives that support and oppose repealing DOMA.
