Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Sens. Dianne Feinstein, Patrick Leahy, and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a bill that would repeal the federal government's ban on same-sex marriage, and President Obama is supporting it. The president has "long called for a legislative appeal for the so-called Defense of Marriage Act which continues to have a real impact on families," White House spokesman Jay Carney announced. The president is “proud to support” the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, Carney said.

“As a Member of the Judiciary Committee, it is my intention to introduce legislation that will once and for all repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. My own belief is that when two people love each other and enter the contract of marriage, the Federal government should honor that. I opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. It was the wrong law then; it is the wrong law now; and it should be repealed."

Shirley Tan, who had received a temporary reprieve and was scheduled to be deported and separated from her partner of 23 years, Jay Mercado, and their two children on April 22, was saved at the last minute by a private bill introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein [pictured], according to a message sent out by the family's rep. Melanie Nathan:

Chicago Page One Examiner reports that Immigration Equality is calling on legislators to act on behalf of a Northern California family that may soon be torn apart because the parents are lesbians.