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DOJ to Recognize Same-Sex Marriages in Utah

Attorney General Eric Holder announced today the Department of Justice will recognize same-sex marriages in Utah while the issue makes its way through the appeals courts.

The 1,300 or so couples that married before a Utah court invalidated them will receive federal benefits.

"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," Holder said.

Holder's videotaped statement is here.

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    What this implies, is that the DOJ (none / 0) (#1)
    by Peter G on Sat Jan 11, 2014 at 07:21:10 PM EST
    (presumably the Civil Rights Division) believes that the same-sex marriages contracted in Utah prior to the Supreme Court's imposition of a stay are legally valid under Utah family law and U.S. Constitutional law, as of the time they were entered into.  That is the standard being used by the federal government, after Windsor, for determining whether federal benefits (and obligations) apply.