Mereja

The AG candidates and the DOMA

Written by

Daniela Altimari

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Where do the men and women running — or exploring a run — for state Attorney General stand on the federal Defense of Marriage Act?

A Boston-based activist wants to know. Paul Sousa, a student at Boston College Law School, first launched his campaign last summer. At that time, his goal was to urge AG Richard Blumenthal to join a lawsuit filed by his counterpart in Massachusetts, Martha Coakley. 
Coakley’s complaint challenges the constitutionality of the DOMA. It contends the law, signed by President Clinton, deprives legally married same-sex couples from Massachusetts of their rights under federal law and interferes with the authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to regulate marriage. Opponents say it is an attempt to use the courts to force same sex marriage into states where it is not recognized.
But since Sousa’s campaign began, Blumenthal announced he’s leaving the AG’s office to run for U.S. Senate. (As for Coakley, well, that’s another story…)
So Sousa is asking activists to contact the candidates to press them to support Coakley’s strategy and sign onto the lawsuit. 
I asked them all the same question this afternoon. Here’s what they said:
 

Susan Bysiewicz, Democrat

“As attorney general, I would uphold the marriage laws of our state, which allow a man and a woman to marry, two women to marry and two men to marry. I have not seen the lawsuit the attorney general of Massachusetts has brought. I would like to look at that closely before I make a decision on this issue. I do not know what particular principles she is relying on.” 

Martha Dean, Republican

Did not provide an answer at this time. She said she will be available for questions on this and other topics when she formally announces her candidacy at a March 16 press conference.

George Jepsen, Democrat

Said he is consulting with attorneys to get a legal breakdown of Coakley’s case. But, he added, “I am very sympathetic to the cause” and noted his long public support for same-sex marriage.

John Pavia, Republican exploratory candidate

Does not support joining the lawsuit. “This is an issue for the legislature to decide on a state-by-state basis. We have more important things to be focused on like getting people back to work, creating jobs and lowering taxes. If it were up to me, we would have nothing to do with that case.”

Andrew Roraback, Republican exploratory candidate

“As far as the citizens of Connecticut go, it’s settled law. I support the law of Connecticut and  it would not be a priority of mine to influence the laws of other states. I don’t think that’s the role of the Connecticut attorney general. The role of the Connecticut attorney general is to uphold Connecticut law and protect Connecticut citizens.”

Cam Staples, Democrat

“I agree with [Coakley’s] position that DOMA violates the equal protection clause…I certainly think all Connecticut citizens deserve the same federal rights they enjoy under state law. I would certainly if we can join that suit…or find the right way to participate…Pursuing a suit against the federal government is certainly consistent with our responsibility to our citizens under state law.”

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