News (USA)

FEC rules against joint political donations from married, gay couples

FEC rules against joint political donations from married, gay couples

WASHINGTON — The Federal Election Commission said Thursday that married, same-sex couples cannot pool their money to donate to political campaigns as married, opposite-sex couples are able to do.

Citing the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as a reason in its advisory opinion, the FEC said commissioners were prevented from treating donations from same-sex couples the same way those from straight ones are treated, because DOMA doesn’t recognize them as spouses.

FEC Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub said in a statement she “very reluctantly voted no” but explained the law gave her no choice, saying DOMA represents a “discriminatory, irrational burden” on political participation by gay men and lesbians who are legally married, reported USA Today.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on constitutionality of DOMA sometime in June.

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