The state of Vermont on Friday joined New York and Connecticut in asking a federal appeals court to rule that the law defining marriage as between a man and a woman is unconstitutional.

Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell said Friday that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), deprives same-gender couples of federal benefits and unfairly discriminates against them.

The amicus brief was filed in the case of Windsor v. United States, a federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other legal groups.

SAN DIEGO – The overdue repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was a joyous occasion for the LGBT community, and equality supporters nationwide. Many celebrations also took place locally, where men and women who have served our country honorably, and silently, were rightfully honored and celebrated.