Holder applies same-sex marriage ruling to Justice Department

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder is applying a landmark Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage rights to the Justice Department.

Speaking Saturday night to the Human Rights Campaign in New York, Holder says that same-sex spouses cannot be compelled to testify against each other and should be eligible to file for bankruptcy jointly. He also says that same-sex spouses are entitled to the same rights and privileges as federal prison inmates in opposite-sex marriages.

The Justice Department runs a number of benefits programs, and Holder says same-sex couples will qualify for them.

Last year, the Supreme Court struck down a provision in the Defence of Marriage Act defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Its decision applies to legally married same-sex couples seeking federal benefits.