Appeals court overturns federal gay-marriage law

A federal appeals court in Boston has ruled unanimously that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, in effect reaching the same conclusion as the Obama Justice Department.

The case is almost certainly destined to be decided by the Supreme Court, a fact the appeals court noted in delaying implementation of its ruling until the Supreme Court gets a shot at it.

The ruling is certainly founded in logic and reason. The court ruled that the federal government cannot confer benefits on those who were married under Georgia law or Kansas law and then deny benefits to those married under Massachusetts law, which allows gay couples to marry.

In one example, federal law allows the spouses of military veterans to be buried alongside them in military cemeteries. But DOMA would deny that right to gay spouses of veterans. The court found that violates both the right of gay Americans to equal protection under the law and violates the authority of states to regulate marriage.

– Jay Bookman

538 comments Add your comment

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

May 31st, 2012
12:32 pm

1.9 raise? I see any rise as a good thing. It has been rising a little every time. It all will add up in time.

Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes

May 31st, 2012
12:32 pm

I feel certain that I know to whom you refer.

Yep, that one.

Adam

May 31st, 2012
12:32 pm

ty: the same DOMA that Bill Clinton (D) signed into law? Good news indeed. Couple that with DADT(also signed into law by Democrat Bill Clinton) being overturned and Obama’s recent endorsement for “States’ Rights”, and us fans of personal liberty can smile somewhat.

So…. NOT the worst President ever then? :D

Adam

May 31st, 2012
12:33 pm

ty: NOT the uber Socialist? NOT all about Federal Government getting in everyone’s business?

Ennis

May 31st, 2012
12:34 pm

Adam @12:25 Crawfishing, backpeddling, or whatever you want to call it never entered my mind. I guess the saying on this blog about people being extremely closed-minded is absolutely true. All forms of government should get out of the bedroom peeping bizness.
Why a person with a little sense of humor that makes fun of Government stoopided rules and regulations gets slammed all the time boggles even my country living soul

ty webb

May 31st, 2012
12:34 pm

adam,
I’ve never said that.

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

May 31st, 2012
12:34 pm

I feel certain that I know to whom you refer.

Yep, that one.

So tell me, tell me , tell me! TELLLLL MEEEEE!!!

Paul

May 31st, 2012
12:34 pm

Damn federalism and strict constructionist justices!!!!

ty webb

May 31st, 2012
12:34 pm

adam,
nor that or that.

ragnar danneskjold

May 31st, 2012
12:35 pm

The Federal government should not be “conferring benefits,” whether to homosexuals or to heterosexuals.

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
12:35 pm

ty

Have you agree with every law that any President you voted for signed?

real john

May 31st, 2012
12:35 pm

Joe:

Hahaha…good catch

Joe Hussein Mama

May 31st, 2012
12:37 pm

real john — “Hahaha…good catch” :D

TBG — just remember, Bruce Lee kicked Chuck Norris’ hiney. :D

ty webb

May 31st, 2012
12:37 pm

they both suck,
no.

josef

May 31st, 2012
12:37 pm

OSCAR

On hold, however, til the SC weighs in….

killerj

May 31st, 2012
12:38 pm

Well,well,well,we now do as the roman,s do,a pitiful end to a country as we know it,end the end it all turn,s out the same,history does repeat itself.

Jefferson

May 31st, 2012
12:40 pm

Tom you can move, I’ll vote for changes.

Gwinnett Mom

May 31st, 2012
12:40 pm

God is against this…….Queers….You all call them gay, I was raised 2 call them queers. Still, god is against it and will smite those who are for it.

I pray God can put an end 2 this mayham

Adam

May 31st, 2012
12:40 pm

Common Sense isn't very Common

May 31st, 2012
12:40 pm

josef@12:06 pm

Me? I can’t wait until I can get married in North Carolina…talk about sweet revenge!

——————————————————————————-

Come on up I would love to see it :-)

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
12:41 pm

ty

I didn’t think so. Thanks for the reply

ty webb

May 31st, 2012
12:42 pm

“Come onnnnn, you like him *just a little* doncha?”

as a person? yes.

Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette

May 31st, 2012
12:42 pm

I love happy news…and this is FABULOUS news.

the cat

May 31st, 2012
12:43 pm

I find the word “smite” interesting. What does “smite” mean? knock down, throw down, throw up, toss up?

Gwinnett Mom

May 31st, 2012
12:44 pm

I dont no why I even reed this stuff N E more. Its all bad news that makes me sick 2 my stomache. Can U all print some good news?

ty webb

May 31st, 2012
12:44 pm

they both suck,
no problem.

GT

May 31st, 2012
12:45 pm

The humor in this is too rich for reality. The GOP run about every skirt chaser they could round up for president. I was shocked at Romney allowing Trump to run his campaign then I thought back about who this guy has shared a stage with in the past. I can only imagine huge fire hoses washing off those stages five seconds after the debate is completed. CNN, in post summary, trying to talk over the roar of water colliding with the podiums, floor and GOP emblems. A man dress in a outfit like Dustin Hoffman in Outbreak hosing down the infected area, stumbling over a passionate Newt rolling on the floor with a new employed female, while Herman takes close up pictures and sings Barry White songs.

Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette

May 31st, 2012
12:45 pm

Gwinnett Mom

Which God?

Jesus’ Dad? That one. Nope. You are wrong.

Your hateful thoughts will get you a cold reception at the pearly gates.

I pray to God he heals your sickness. (Don’t want him to smite you though….way to messy)

Paul

May 31st, 2012
12:45 pm

“It ain’t natural, I tells you. The Good Book says “like shall seek like.” Oh, wait a minute, I mean…oh, dear…nevermind”

heh, heh heh

This wouldn’t be an issue if government civil authorities performed civil unions for heterosexual and homosexual couples and religious authorities performed marriages for whichever heterosexual or homosexual couples they wanted to marry.

Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)

May 31st, 2012
12:47 pm

Well, the end is near. It won’t be long now till us rednecks are lined up and made to marry big hairy Bubba. It also means my marriage is worthless, like the preacher said would happen if Gay Marriage was made legal. I feel like I’m living in Sin already.

This nation is becoming a Sodom and Gonorrhea. We’ll all be turned into Pillows of Salt. It was bound to happen when they took God out of the schools and the laws. You can’t even post the 10 Commandments anymore. What’s next? Farmers marrying their cows? Cowboys marrying their horses? People suing because they can’t bring the dog they just married into a restaurant? I just hope none of these Gay Married couples move into Simpsons Trailer Park.

I’ll keep hauling and humping, but my heart ain’t in it today. These danged Activist Courts! Have a good p.m. everybody.

Adam

May 31st, 2012
12:47 pm

Paul: This wouldn’t be an issue if government civil authorities performed civil unions for heterosexual and homosexual couples and religious authorities performed marriages for whichever heterosexual or homosexual couples they wanted to marry.

You’re missing the point. This isn’t about FREEDOM. It’s about MY ability to force EVERYONE ELSE into MY way of thinking. DURRRRR

josef

May 31st, 2012
12:48 pm

Common Sense

We’re considering Newton, I hear the calla lillies are lovely this time of year, dear! :-)

Fedup

May 31st, 2012
12:48 pm

Dear Suck, Majority of my consevative and mainly the bible thumpers practice the first two lines. Except they are married to one and they are constantly whor@#g around in bars and go out of town to do it.

jm

May 31st, 2012
12:49 pm

economy in toilet. so is Europes.

Good job Obama.

Gwinnett Mom

May 31st, 2012
12:49 pm

@ Granny

God is against it it say so in the bible that man should not lay with another man. Its unatrual. How R 2 mens supposed 2 make babies? If it is OK why come it is against the law still? Its U librals that R tryin 2 change the law that will infect my children well it aint gonna happen cuz we will fight !

Joe Hussein Mama

May 31st, 2012
12:50 pm

Normal Free — “So tell me, tell me , tell me! TELLLLL MEEEEE!!!”

He’s around most afternoons and not hard to spot.

the cat

May 31st, 2012
12:50 pm

Pillow of Salt!!!!!!! Love this

Adam

May 31st, 2012
12:50 pm

Mama Says

May 31st, 2012
12:51 pm

The entire argument comes down to money.

I have yet to hear one gay rights activist who can explain why or how an act that is condemned in the bible should be blessed by any church via a church marriage. I am open to hear how that works.

Aside from the religious aspect, I agree the government should have no right to decide who you’re benefits go to or who you live with or who you have sex with, if you are an adult.

So isn’t the answer civil unions ? a certificate issued by the government without the church involved ?

Unless of course homosexuals wish to force the church into saying God loves them no matter what they are doing, which would really make this story about the homosexual community wanting to feel God is ok with what they are doing.

I mean which is it about religion or benefits ?

sheepdawg

May 31st, 2012
12:51 pm

when all the old lilly white republican males that currently run this country are dead and gone, this question will seem really stupid

Joe Hussein Mama

May 31st, 2012
12:51 pm

GG — “Gwinnett Mom Which God?”

Well, aren’t YOU a fine, fresh fish! :)

Your attention please, GG. YHBT. That is all.

josef

May 31st, 2012
12:52 pm

GWYNNETTE

I trust you’re being funny…I mean you can’t possibly make that many grammatical-spelling-syntax errors in one post that short without it being intentional…

Erwin's cat

May 31st, 2012
12:53 pm

so if ya get divorced in Alabama…are you still cousins?

Paul

May 31st, 2012
12:53 pm

Adam

Dont’cha’ just love control freaks?

From yesterday: From the abort the mission thing? I did see what the other poster was attempting. I just wanted him to explicitly state why Obama would have aborted the mission. I think I have a fair understanding of the sequence and was looking forward to him getting wrapped around the axle, but alas, he dropped off as soon as the question was asked.

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

May 31st, 2012
12:53 pm

m

May 31st, 2012
12:49 pm

Please enlighten us…How is Europe’s economy President Obama’s fault? (This ought to be good) :D

DawgDad

May 31st, 2012
12:53 pm

“The GOP run about every skirt chaser they could round up for president.” That is funny, considering Clinton’s skirt chasing got him impeached and dis-barred for lying in court and Edwards is still on trial for misappropriating campaign funds to cover up his dalliance (unless I missed the climax).

Misty Fyed

May 31st, 2012
12:53 pm

But wait….Didn’t Obama just say this wasn’t a federal issue?????funny Sheepdawg…hes neither white nor republican.

GT

May 31st, 2012
12:53 pm

Redneck Convert (R–and proud of it), the movie Deliverance established that fact a long time ago.

ty webb

May 31st, 2012
12:54 pm

“when all the old lilly white republican males that currently run this country are dead and gone, this question will seem really stupid”

yeah, cause it’s just them…and the mormons!

Joe Hussein Mama

May 31st, 2012
12:54 pm

Mama Says — “Unless of course homosexuals wish to force the church into saying God loves them no matter what they are doing, which would really make this story about the homosexual community wanting to feel God is ok with what they are doing.”

I think the issue is more about those who are intolerant of gays wanting to make GOVERNMENT hew to their interpretation and bow to their claims about what their god wants.

Peter

May 31st, 2012
12:54 pm

The Bible is a man made up book, to keep folks in line, and example how to be a good person period….All the rest is no different then believing in the EASTER bunny.

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

May 31st, 2012
12:55 pm

Is Gwinnett Mom Bill Orvis White in drag?

JamVet

May 31st, 2012
12:55 pm

Gwinnett Mom, must be married to RB…

That Black Guy

May 31st, 2012
12:55 pm

Joe Hussein Mama

May 31st, 2012
12:37 pm
real john — “Hahaha…good catch”

TBG — just remember, Bruce Lee kicked Chuck Norris’ hiney.
______________________________________________________
And Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s 8)

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
12:55 pm

Gwinnett mom

Are you speaking of the Old or New Testament? I don’t recall the new saying much about gays.

If you are speaking of the Old, can I assume you are adhering to ALL the laws of the Old and not just picking and choosing?

can’t wait for your reply

Paul

May 31st, 2012
12:55 pm

So…. does anyone see any negative implications for religious institutions if gay marriage is held to be a right without regard for religious belief and practice? (Be it Christian, Islam or Judaism?)

skipper

May 31st, 2012
12:55 pm

@GT,
Talking about Repub skirt chasers? Clinton (yo Dem guy) unseated FDR and Kennedy as the true master, although a look at Hillary in those XXX pants-suits will do that to a guy, so he gets a pass…………………

Peter

May 31st, 2012
12:56 pm

I am amused by the preacher getting bitten via the snake and dying……. Just proves how many dumb folks there are out there and the LEMMINGS THAT FOLLOW THEM.

Joe Hussein Mama

May 31st, 2012
12:56 pm

DawgDad — “That is funny, considering Clinton’s skirt chasing got him impeached and dis-barred for lying in court and Edwards is still on trial for misappropriating campaign funds to cover up his dalliance (unless I missed the climax).”

But but but . . . THE CLENIS!!! :D

And y’all complain when *we* bring up President Bush. Hell, y’all are still pizzed off about Carter, for crying out loud.

Mama Says

May 31st, 2012
12:56 pm

DogDad

Which is it did Clinton get impeached b/c he lied in court or because he chased skirt ?

One is against the law (perjury) and the other isn’t (well it’s not enforced)

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
12:56 pm

Jam @ 12:55

Too funny…….. I was thinking the same thing

josef

May 31st, 2012
12:57 pm

MAMA

Benefits. And the same certificate of civil union for one and all. If I want religious institution sanction, I can get that already in my particular brand name.

Paul

May 31st, 2012
12:57 pm

Peter

The Koran’s included in that, right?

And the Vedas, right?

Peter

May 31st, 2012
12:58 pm

Question…… so if ya get divorced in Alabama…are you still cousins? Yes

josef

May 31st, 2012
12:58 pm

BOTH

Nyah. She’s got one of them Get Out of Leviticus Free cards the Imam was issuing! :-)

Gwinnett Mom

May 31st, 2012
12:59 pm

We only foloow Gods laws and rules if that what U R asking. God did not make men to love other men. If they choose 2 live like this then dont share it with us cuz it makes us sick and I dont want them infecting my children with there sickness. U have to be realy messed up 2 want to do what they do.

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
12:59 pm

Gwinnett

I will make it easy for you. Do you adhere to the following? I have more if you would like for me to post

1) anyone who acts as a medium or fortune-teller shall be stoned to death (Lev 20:27); 2) anyone who curses his parents shall be put to death (Lev 21:9); 3) homosexuals who lay together shall both be put to death (Lev 20:13); 4) the daughter of a priest who dishonors herself by fornication shall be burned to death (Lev 21:9); 5) anyone who blasphemes the Lord shall be stoned to death (Lev 24:14); 6) anyone who kills shall be put to death (Lev 24:17); 7) “A life for a life! Limb for limb, eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Lev 24:18); 8) the Lord forbids bloody lacerating and tattooing (Lev 19:26); 9) You shall treat an alien who resides in your land no differently than the natives born among you (Lev 19:33); 10) if anyone commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, they shall both be put to death (Lev 20:10), but adultery with a slave permits of a lesser punishment since she is not free (Lev 19:20).

Peter

May 31st, 2012
12:59 pm

Paul.

All religion is man made period……..Theology is a way to show us a nice path to live on, and keep the masses in order.

Adam

May 31st, 2012
12:59 pm

Mama Says: I have yet to hear one gay rights activist who can explain why or how an act that is condemned in the bible should be blessed by any church via a church marriage. I am open to hear how that works.

Funny, but I have yet to see anyone suggest this at all.

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
12:59 pm

josef @ 12:58

Tell it all brother, tell it all

:-)

Common Sense isn't very Common

May 31st, 2012
1:00 pm

So does that mean we can now have gay polygamy? or maybe a mix of each and every?

:-)

The possibilities seem endless LOL

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
1:00 pm

“I can get that already in my particular brand name.”

I like that

Soothsayer

May 31st, 2012
1:00 pm

I think Gwinnett Mom is punking us. Probably Little Davy Crybaby posting down at the Liberry.

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

May 31st, 2012
1:01 pm

Mama Says

May 31st, 2012
12:51 pm

Since it’s been pretty much established that being Gay is genetic, wouldn’t you say that God made them too? According to Christianity, as I understand it, God made all people in His image. Since he made some people Gay, do you ever wonder if He’s Gay too? Or at least, Bi-. Just food for thought…

Bottom line There isn’t a thing about being Gay that is in any way, shape, or form, religions business.

Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes

May 31st, 2012
1:01 pm

If they choose 2 live like this…

When and where exactly, did you choose 2 live like a hetero?

Adam

May 31st, 2012
1:02 pm

God did not make men to love other men.

Yeah I’m tellin ya! God said HATE every man you know if you’re a man, and every woman you know if you’re a woman!

Mighty Righty

May 31st, 2012
1:02 pm

As I have said before, I don’t care if you want to marry your goat, sheep, pig or chicken. That is your business. Just don’t expect me to pay for your marriage, your abortions or your venerial desease.

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
1:02 pm

“We only foloow Gods laws and rules if that what U R asking.”

Really?

Surely you jest…………….

That Black Guy

May 31st, 2012
1:02 pm

SomaAtl95

May 31st, 2012
12:21 pm
So let me get this straight, – You can try, but I doubt you’ll succeed.

You “conservative” posters want the Guvmint out of your lives, but want them to control everyone elses? – Fail #1. The vast majority of “conservatives” on this blog including me, support this ruling thus far.

You don’t want Islam sharia law in America but are fine with America being a “Christian Nation”? – Nope. Keep your religion out of our government.

You don’t want women to have the power to choose what they want to do with their own bodies – False, I support a womans right to chose.

but have no use for poor and underprivileged children until they’re old enough to fight wars and die for your causes? – that is so dumb it’s stoopid :roll:

How much sense does that make? – NONE! So why are YOU saying it?

Peter

May 31st, 2012
1:03 pm

YES to this…….. Bottom line There isn’t a thing about being Gay that is in any way, shape, or form, religions business.

But then why are the GOP folks making it their business ?

skipper

May 31st, 2012
1:03 pm

@They BOTH suck;
I never coveted my neighbor’s wife (unless I had a neighbor, and he had a wife……………..)

Old Retired English Professor

May 31st, 2012
1:03 pm

Court Administrator Yolanda Lewis said in an e-mail that she won’t release figures until Friday.

“I will say that there have been thousands of people who have actually took advantage of the opportunity to reschedule their service,” she said—AJC, 05/31/2012

Oh, for Pete’s sake! Is it asking too much to expect the Fulton County Court Administrator to know how to form the past participle of a verb?

Never mind. Just carry on. My bilge started overflowing.

josef

May 31st, 2012
1:04 pm

ADAM
@ 1:02

Yeah, thass the ticket! :-)

Joseph

May 31st, 2012
1:04 pm

Before you jump up and down and break out the pink bandana know that this changes nothing… The Supreme’s will uphold this law along with all the other laws forbiding the lefts attempts at making marriage more about perversion than family…

Paul

May 31st, 2012
1:04 pm

Peter

I understand atheists hold that as an article of faith?

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
1:04 pm

skipper

:-)

Good one

Erwin's cat

May 31st, 2012
1:04 pm

Normal Free..
“…Since it’s been pretty much established that being Gay is genetic…”

do tell

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

May 31st, 2012
1:06 pm

Peter

May 31st, 2012
1:03 pm

“But then why are the GOP folks making it their business ?”

Because they have nothing else…

josef

May 31st, 2012
1:06 pm

OREP

Howdy! Always good to hear from you.

Paul

May 31st, 2012
1:06 pm

Peter

“All religion is man made period……..Theology is a way to show us a nice path to live on, and keep the masses in order.”

What about religions that don’t have a theology?

Aquagirl

May 31st, 2012
1:06 pm

I think Gwinnett Mom is punking us. Probably Little Davy Crybaby posting down at the Liberry.

txtspk postings the week after school lets out? Screamingly obvious.

Joe Hussein Mama

May 31st, 2012
1:06 pm

M. Righty — “As I have said before, I don’t care if you want to marry your goat, sheep, pig or chicken. That is your business. Just don’t expect me to pay for your marriage, your abortions or your venerial desease.”

Pig abortions for some, miniature American flags for others! :D

Common Sense isn't very Common

May 31st, 2012
1:07 pm

Seems like Gwinnett Mom doesn’t mind 2 women getting married, she is being sexist :-)

That Black Guy

May 31st, 2012
1:07 pm

sheepdawg

May 31st, 2012
12:51 pm
when all the old lilly white republican males that currently run this country are dead and gone, this question will seem really stupid
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you saying there are no Black women that are opposed to this?

Adam

May 31st, 2012
1:08 pm

We only foloow Gods laws and rules if that what U R asking

“You talk to God? You’re religious. God talks to you? You’re psychotic.”

Doggone/GA

May 31st, 2012
1:08 pm

“This wouldn’t be an issue if government civil authorities performed civil unions for heterosexual and homosexual couples and religious authorities performed marriages for whichever heterosexual or homosexual couples they wanted to marry”

And I don’t agree. I think religion should get out of the marriage BUSINESS. A marriage is a LEGAL contract. Government has a place in safeguarding the interests of the signees to that contract. Religion has no place in it.

Paul

May 31st, 2012
1:08 pm

BOTH suck 12:59

Somehow, I don’t think Gwinnett’s orthodox Jewish – more like a fundamental Christian who’s searching for a scriptural basis to support her bias.

ty webb

May 31st, 2012
1:09 pm

“Are you saying there are no Black women that are opposed to this?”

or black men?…hispanic men?…hispanic women?…

getalife

May 31st, 2012
1:09 pm

Do you hear that?

That is the sound of our cons being marginalized as kooks.

Sounds good doesn’t it?

They BOTH suck

May 31st, 2012
1:10 pm

“Are you saying there are no Black women that are opposed to this?”

The memo only said “old lilly white republican males “