For immediate release: July 8, 2010    

BOSTON – The following is a statement from Attorney General Coakley regarding today’s decision:

"Today’s landmark decision is an important step toward achieving equality for all married couples in Massachusetts and assuring that all of our citizens enjoy the same rights and protections under our Constitution. It is unconstitutional for the federal government to discriminate, as it does because of DOMA’s restrictive definition of marriage.  It is also unconstitutional for the federal government to decide who is married and to create a system of first- and second-class marriages. The federal government cannot require states, such as Massachusetts, to further the discrimination through federal programs.  We are extremely pleased with Judge Tauro’s decision and we also want to congratulate GLAD for their well-earned victory on behalf of equality."

View additional materials from the Attorney General's Office: Federal Court Strikes Down Federal Defense of Marriage Act; Massachusetts Same-Sex Married Couples Entitled to Federal Rights and Protections

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