The federal government announced Saturday it will recognize same-sex marriages in six new states.
The decision means gay couples in those states will be able to receive an array of federal benefits — such as Social Security benefits for widowers or the ability to file a joint income tax return. The states are: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The Justice Department's move comes after the Supreme Court declined to hear appeals in cases that made gay marriage legal in those states.
"With each new state where same-sex marriages are legally recognized, our nation moves closer to achieving full equality for all Americans," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement Saturday.
"We are acting as quickly as possible with agencies throughout the government to ensure that same-sex marriage couples in these states receive the fullest array of benefits allowable under federal law."
With this decision, the federal government now recognizes same-sex marriages in 32 states and the District of Columbia.
Holder also said Saturday that gay marriages performed in Indiana and Wisconsin in June will receive the same recognition. The status of those unions was unclear, despite federal district court rulings that Indiana and Wisconsin's bans on gay marriage were unconstitutional. Holder's statement clarifies that the federal government sees those marriages as valid.
