Julie Bolcer

A statement from the White House marks the first time the President has backed a legislative measure in a state.

Rep. Charles Bass of New Hampshire signed on to co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act, becoming the second Republican House member to express support within the past week.

Rep. Richard Hanna of New York becomes only the second Republican lawmaker to co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act. Will other Republicans follow suit?

Speaker Boehner and his colleagues are asked to "end your taxpayer-funded contract for outside legal services defending discrimination."

Senator Heather Steans and Representative Greg Harris plan to push the legislation before the current session ends early next month.

The state Senate president and LGBT advocacy groups reaffirmed their opposition after an openly gay assemblyman introduced a measure to allow voters to decide the issue.

Pressure is already mounting on the administration to file briefs in the Proposition 8 and DOMA cases before the Supreme Court.

"Don't compare me to a murderer because I'm a lesbian," said the New York City Council Speaker. "Don't do it. It's wrong."

"It isn't a living document," said the outspoken conservative justice. "It's dead, dead, dead, dead."

The cases will likely be held until the high court issues decisions in the DOMA and Proposition 8 appeals.

The past writings of the justice considered the swing vote suggest he could side with a sweeping decision in favor of marriage equality.

Emily and Sarah Cofer became the first same-sex couple to marry in Washington on Sunday.