WASHINGTON — Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) civil rights organization, celebrated U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announcement that full federal recognition will extend to the more than 1,300 gay and lesbian couples who have legally married in Utah. The action by the Department of Justice comes after HRC President Chad Griffin wrote to Attorney General Holder yesterday urging full recognition for the Utah couples.
"These 1,360 Utah couples are married, plain and simple, and they should be afforded every right and responsibility of marriage," said HRC President Chad Griffin following today's news. "Attorney General Eric Holder has once again shown the kind of leadership that earns you a spot in the history books. This is only the beginning of this fight, and this work continues until marriage equality returns to Utah for good, and full equality reaches every American in all 50 states."
Same-sex couples in Utah were legally empowered to marry between December 20th and Monday, January 6th, when the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a lower court's decision pending appeal. In addition to the letter to Attorney General Holder, Griffin also wrote to the attorneys general in marriage equality states urging them to recognize the legally-conferred Utah marriages.
To view HRC President Chad Griffin's letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, click here.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER ON FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGES IN UTAH
WASHINGTON—Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement today on the status of same-sex marriages performed in the state of Utah:
"Last June, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision — in United States v. Windsor — holding that Americans in same-sex marriages are entitled to equal protection and equal treatment under the law. This ruling marked a historic step toward equality for all American families. And since the day it was handed down, the Department of Justice has been working tirelessly to implement it in both letter and spirit—moving to extend—federal benefits to married same-sex couples as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
Recently, an administrative step by the Court has cast doubt on same-sex marriages that have been performed in the state of Utah. And the governor has announced that the state will not recognize these marriages pending additional Court action.
In the meantime, I am confirming today that, for purposes of federal law, these marriages will be recognized as lawful and considered eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages. These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds. In the days ahead, we will continue to coordinate across the federal government to ensure the timely provision of every federal benefit to which Utah couples and couples throughout the country are entitled — regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages. And we will continue to provide additional information as soon as it becomes available."
A video recording of the Attorney General delivering the above statement can be viewed at: www.justice.gov/video.php .
