Gov. Gary Johnson Applauds Court Ruling on DOMA

Statement

Calling it "another major step toward ending marriage discrimination," presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson today applauded a Federal Appeals Court ruling in New York that the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as only between a man and a woman, is unconstitutional.

In a statement, Johnson said, "Unlike Gov. Romney and President Obama, I firmly believe marriage equality for gay couples is a constitutionally protected right under the Equal Protection Clause. Today's ruling by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals confirms that belief and is a major step toward eliminating the discrimination that is enshrined in the Defense of Marriage Act.

"While, as a former Governor, I am a staunch defender of states' rights, when it comes to marriage equality, it is not good enough to hide behind the idea of deferring to state law, as President Obama has done. Gay Americans will either be treated equally under the Constitution, or they will not. That is not a matter to be left to the states. With today's ruling, I am more confident than ever that the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately resolve the issue of gay marriage on the side of equality."

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