AG Eric Holder Says Feds to Recognize Gay Marriages in Seven More States

“We are slowly drawing closer to full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans nationwide,” Holder said.

Michael DeVille and Robert Hughes, both of Nevada, are reflected in a mirror as they get ready to be married at Las Vegas PRIDE's National Coming Out Day festival at the Alexis Park All Suite Resort on Oct. 11, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller / Getty Images
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Attorney General Eric Holder announced Friday that the federal government will recognize same-sex marriages in seven more states — Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

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“With their long-awaited unions, we are slowly drawing closer to full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans nationwide,” Holder said.

Federal recognition in those additional seven states, including the extension of federal benefits, was a foregone conclusion because of recent court rulings. The Supreme Court on Oct. 6 declined to review lower-court decisions invalidating gay marriage bans.

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