Yesterday [February 23, 2011], President Obama unilaterally declared the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, instructing the Department of Justice not to defend the statute in court.
One of the problems with this: The President doesn't get to decide what laws are constitutional in our system of government.
The idea that the President of the United States can order the Department of Justice not to defend a law, duly passed by Congress and signed into law by a former President, then-President Clinton, should send shockwaves through anyone who is concerned with civil rights and civil liberties.
Just a few weeks ago, the White House Press Secretary told reporters, ''[W]e can't declare the law unconstitutional ... [W]e ... have to represent the viewpoint of the defendant.'' President Obama's policy reversal in such a short time is stunning and sets a disturbing precedent.
The President isn't a king. He doesn't get to make decrees. He is the chief executive with the responsibility to enforce existing laws - even laws he may not like.
President Obama cannot simply choose which laws his Administration will enforce. This is an out-of-control move that exceeds constitutional limits.
The sanctity of the rule of law is something we must protect. Our nation's Founders developed a purposeful process in which the legislative, executive, and judicial branches pass laws.
The President and his Department of Justice have an affirmative obligation to defend every law unless the Supreme Court of the United States were to declare it unconstitutional.
No matter what side of the debate you are on, the fact that President Obama thinks he can decide this himself - despite a duly-enacted law passed by Congress and signed by a former President - is outrageous and sets a dangerous precedent.
(Courtesy of ACLJ; American Center for Law and Justice)
God, once again we ask forgiveness for every effort to destory what you have set in place. To corrupt what you have sanctioned and made holy. To allow those things you find detestable to be labeled "good". Please forgive us for our oh so many sins. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.