Obama Supports Bill to Repeal Federal Gay Marriage Ban

White House: Obama Supports Bill to Repeal Federal Gay Marriage Ban

WASHINGTON -- As a leading Senate Democrat prepares for hearings this week on repealing the federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman, the White House on Tuesday threw its support to overturning the Defense of Marriage Act.

The Obama administration has already said it won't defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court because it concludes it's unconstitutional. But Press Secretary Jay Carney on Tuesday went further, saying President Obama is "proud to support" the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to overturn the 15-year-old law.

"The president has long called for a legislative repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which continues to have a real impact on the lives of real people, our families, friends and neighbors," Carney said in his daily briefing with reporters.

Feinstein, who is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is hosting the hearing, said she is under no illusion that overturning the ban will be easy, but she does think the public is ready for a change.

"I think eyes have opened. More and more people across this land know people who are gay, who want to have a lasting relationship, who look at marriage as an economic agreement as well as an emotional agreement," said Feinstein, speaking at the National Press Club Tuesday.

So far six states have passed legislation allowing gay marriage within their states, but the federal ban prevents same-sex couples from applying for citizenship benefits, filing federal taxes together or claiming deductions that married people receive. Married gay couples can also not receive spousal benefits under Social Security or take unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons.

The Defense of Marriage Act passed both chambers of Congress by overwhelming margins and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Feinstein was one of 14 senators to oppose the legislation.

Feinstein is now one of 27 co-sponsors, none Republican, supporting repeal. She said with a GOP-dominated House, she understands repeal may not happen anytime soon.

"If we don't succeed this session, we will try again next session," she said. "Believe me, we will continue this effort until the battle is won."

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Posted in: News,Politics

John Yates quits Met Police amid phone-hacking scandal

John Yates quits Met Police amid phone-hacking scandal

Met Police Assistant Commissioner John Yates has quit after growing pressure amid the phone-hacking scandal.

Mr Yates checked the credentials of Neil Wallis before the Met employed the former News of the World executive, arrested last week over hacking claims.

Mr Yates's decision to resign came after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson quit on Sunday.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said it was right for both Sir Paul and Mr Yates to stand down.

Mr Johnson told a news conference at City Hall in London: "I believe that both decisions are regrettable but I would say that in both cases the right call has been made.

"There is absolutely nothing that has been proven against the probity or the professionalism of either man.

"But in both cases we have to recognise that the nexus of questions about the relationship between the Met and the News of the World was likely to be distracting to both officers in the run-up to the Olympic Games."

Mr Johnson said Deputy Commissioner Tim Godwin would be in charge at Scotland Yard until Sir Paul's replacement was appointed.

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Posted in: News,World