. >> for more we're joined by marc solomon. welcome.k about the significance of this ruling. >> it is significant that the three judge panel unanimously ruled as attorney general coakley of massachusetts said, there are no first-class and second-class marriages and the role of -- it is really up to the state to determine who is married and the federal government needs to respect those marriages that take place in the state. >> what happens next? >> it will be appealed. we're confident the supreme court will rule there is no gay exception when it comes to the way the government treats gay marriage brega >> where does the obama administration stand? wouldn't they have to defend this decision? >> the obama administration says the law is unconstitutional and they will not defend it. the house of representatives has taken on the defense of this truly indefensible law. they will represent the u.s. government under this appeal. >> the release comes shortly after north carolina passed a ban on same-sex marriage. where is same-sex marriage stand