US recognizes Utah same-sex marriages: What's behind Holder's unusual move? (CS Monitor)

[pinto]

US recognizes Utah same-sex marriages: What's behind Holder's unusual move?

Saying the Supreme Court's stay had 'cast doubt' on the same-sex marriages performed in Utah, Attorney General Eric Holder said they would be fully recognized by the federal government.

By Warren Richey, Staff writer / January 10, 2014

In a highly unusual move, Attorney General Eric Holder announced Friday that the Obama administration would fully recognize the more than 1,000 same-sex marriages that were performed in Utah shortly after a federal judge declared the state’s ban on same-sex marriages to be unconstitutional.

The US Supreme Court issued a stay of the lower court’s ruling two weeks later, bringing to a temporary end the performance of same-sex marriages in Utah and raising questions about the legitimacy of the new marriages.

Utah officials are appealing the judge’s ruling to the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals. In the meantime, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has said the state will not recognize the same-sex marriages while the case is still working its way through the courts.

Enter Attorney General Holder.

In a video statement posted on the Justice Department website, Holder said the stay granted by the Supreme Court on Monday had “cast doubt” on the same-sex marriages performed in Utah. He noted that the Utah governor was refusing to recognize the new marriages while the case was still being litigated.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0110/US-recognizes-Utah-same-sex-marriages-What-s-behind-Holder-s-unusual-move

[dlwickham]

1. it's a slap in the face of the Utah officials

and one which they need

[pinto]

2. That's my take, as well.

[NCLefty]

3. Why is it so unusual?

They were legally married in the state. The Federal government recognizes legal state marriages.

[Fearless]

4. Correct!