America to recognise gay marriage in six other states
27 Oct 2014 5:37 AM IST
The announcement from Attorney General Eric Holder means gay and lesbian married couples in those states will have the same legal rights and federal benefits as heterosexual couples. The latest decision covers Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming, and comes on the heels of a similar decision last week that extended federal recognition to seven states.
Holder’s announcement ‘brings the total number of states where same sex couples are recognized by the federal government to 32, plus the District of Columbia,’ the Justice Department said.‘With each new state where same sex marriages are legally recognized, our nation moves closer to achieving of full equality for all Americans,’ Holder said.‘We are acting as quickly as possible with agencies throughout the govt to ensure that same sex married couples in these states receive the fullest array of benefits allowable under federal law.’
The statement said Holder had also determined the govt would legally recognize same sex marriages in two states, Indiana and Wisconsin, conducted in June. Court battles over gay marriage bans in those states are ongoing.
Holder’s announcement ‘brings the total number of states where same sex couples are recognized by the federal government to 32, plus the District of Columbia,’ the Justice Department said.‘With each new state where same sex marriages are legally recognized, our nation moves closer to achieving of full equality for all Americans,’ Holder said.‘We are acting as quickly as possible with agencies throughout the govt to ensure that same sex married couples in these states receive the fullest array of benefits allowable under federal law.’
The statement said Holder had also determined the govt would legally recognize same sex marriages in two states, Indiana and Wisconsin, conducted in June. Court battles over gay marriage bans in those states are ongoing.
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