Obama press secretary addresses Utah's same-sex marriage case

White House spokesman Jay Carney was asked Tuesday about the same-sex marriage case in Utah. Here's what he said:

Q • Thanks, Jay. Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued a stay on same-sex marriages in Utah. As the litigation that brought them there proceeds through the courts, did the President express any disappointment with that decision?

Carney • We have no comment on the specifics of this case, because the United States government is not a party to this litigation. But speaking broadly, as you know, the President's views on marriage equality are well established. He believes that loving, committed gay and lesbian couples that want to get married and have access to the full benefits, protections and obligations that marriage brings should be able to do so.

He has also long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples. And he believes strongly that protections should not be taken away from committed gay and lesbian couples who want to take care of their families. So, again, I can't — we're not party to this case. For the sort of questions of legal nature about it, you might try the Department of Justice. But on the broader issues here, the President has been very clear.

Q • The thing I want to ask you, though, is that there is a question about whether the federal government will recognize the marriages that were already performed in that state as legally valid. Are there any conversations taking place between the White House and DOJ about that?

Carney • I would refer you to the Department of Justice. I'm not — again, this is a matter that's in litigation now. We're not a party to the litigation. The views of the President are well known. And when it comes to questions like that, I think the Justice Department is the best place to ask them.

— Brooke Adams