Gay rights groups, ACLU support federal challenge to California’s ban on gay marriage

SAN FRANCISCO — Two gay rights group and the American Civil Liberties Union are backing a federal lawsuit seeking to restore gay marriage in California.

Gays see Justice Department response in same-sex marriage case as betrayal of campaign pledge

LOS ANGELES — Gay rights groups expressed dismay with the Obama administration Friday over its championing of the Defense of Marriage Act, a law the president pledged to try to repeal while on the campaign trail.

Justice Department moves to dismiss first federal gay marriage case

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Justice Department has moved to dismiss the first gay marriage case filed in federal court, saying it is not the right venue to tackle legal questions raised by a couple already married in California.