Atlanta-based Law Firm Under Fire from Gay Equality Group

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – Last month, President Obama said his administration would no longer go to court to defend the "Defense of Marriage Act." It defines marriage between a man and a woman.

So House Republicans hired King & Spalding partner and former Solicitor General Paul Clement to do it.

The Human Rights Campaign says that puts the firm squarely at odds with the HRC's mission.

"To them, to be defending the Defense of Marriage Act is something they decided was good for business and good for their reputation," said HRC president Joe Solmonese.

The HRC in the past has given the law firm an "A" for its corporate equality.

Solmonese says the organization is re-evaluating that grade. In the meantime it's calling on the firm to drop the case.

King and Spalding did not respond to WABE's request for an interview.