U.S. Justice Department Announces Gay Marriage Support in Utah

On Friday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced in an online video statement that his office stands in support of legalized gay marriage in Utah.

“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,” Mr. Holder said in the video. “These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds.”

The state’s law makers have been vacillating around the legality of same-sex marriage since a district court judge ruled the practice legal in December. In the following weeks, Utah’s gay marriage opponents have attempted to impose stays on the gay marriage ban’s reversal not only to stop ceremonies in progress but nullify the unions that have already happened. Well, Holder isn’t here for any of that.

“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,” Mr. Holder said. “And we will continue to provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.”