WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization - today urged President Barack Obama to support marriage equality for all Americans. In December, the President said his views were "evolving." HRC today urges him to take the next step and embrace full marriage equality for all Americans.

"All families deserve the recognition and respect of their government. We know the President supports us. It's time for him to help lead the American public toward full equality for all Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We ask him to fully recognize the dignity of LGBT Americans and their families by supporting marriage equality."

Earlier today, the Department of Justice filed a brief appealing two federal court rulings that found the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The Administration claims that it has a duty to defend the laws that are on the books, despite the President publicly decrying DOMA as discriminatory. We disagree. And at the very least, the Justice Department can and should acknowledge that the law is unconstitutional.

Now is the time for the President to stand firmly against bigotry and discrimination in our laws and for the full inclusion of our community in marriage.

After the Department of Justice filed the brief in federal court today, HRC issued a nation-wide action alert to its 1.3 million members and supporters asking them to urge the President to support marriage equality.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.