• 29
  • April
    2010

Marriage equality is a divisive subject across the United States, but never more so than now. In Connecticut, six hopefuls are vying for the attorney general seat in the next election, and each has recently solidified his or her position on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

The federal Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996, prevents recognition of marriage equality on the federal level. It also gives states the right to not recognize same-sex marriage; in other words, even though a same-sex couple might be considered married in Connecticut, the marriage is not necessarily recognized in other states.

Many people feel that DOMA is unconstitutional in that it restricts the rights of some Americans that are granted to others. DOMA also limits the federal benefits given to same-sex couples, such as tax breaks, that are available to heterosexual married couples.

Since Connecticut and Massachusetts are two of the very few states that have legalized same-sex marriage, the Attorney General candidates were asked to clarify their position on Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley's lawsuit that attempts to overturn DOMA on constitutional grounds.

The Democratic attorney general candidates have announced their support of Coakley in her desire to overturn DOMA. While the Republican candidates have been more tepid in their response, they agree that their job as attorney general would be to support and uphold Connecticut law -- to stand behind Connecticut residents in their desire to maintain legalization of same-sex marriage.