Defense of Marriage Act

Definition

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman, effectively banning federal recognition of same-sex marriages. This act was significant as it influenced both state and federal policies regarding marriage and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals until parts of it were deemed unconstitutional in 2013.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DOMA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996 during a time when same-sex marriage was not legally recognized in any state.
2. The act allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, leading to a patchwork of marriage laws across the country.
3. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Windsor that the section of DOMA denying federal recognition to same-sex marriages was unconstitutional, effectively invalidating its enforcement.
4. Following the Windsor decision, many states began to legalize same-sex marriage, paving the way for nationwide recognition by the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.
5. DOMA's passage reflected significant societal attitudes towards marriage and LGBTQ+ rights during the 1990s and marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for equality.

Review Questions

• How did the Defense of Marriage Act influence state-level marriage laws in the United States?
  • The Defense of Marriage Act allowed states to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman, enabling them to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states. This led to a fragmented legal landscape where the legality of same-sex marriage varied significantly from state to state. By not requiring states to recognize same-sex marriages, DOMA reinforced discriminatory practices and contributed to ongoing debates about marriage equality across the nation.
• Discuss the implications of the United States v. Windsor case on DOMA and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The United States v. Windsor case challenged key provisions of DOMA, with the Supreme Court ruling that denying federal benefits to same-sex couples was unconstitutional. This landmark decision effectively struck down the federal definition of marriage as being solely between one man and one woman. The implications were profound as it not only invalidated DOMA's enforcement but also opened doors for numerous legal battles and legislative changes across states, further advancing LGBTQ+ rights and culminating in nationwide marriage equality.
• Evaluate how the Defense of Marriage Act reflects broader societal attitudes towards marriage and LGBTQ+ rights during its enactment and its subsequent overturning.
  • The Defense of Marriage Act reflects a time when societal attitudes were largely against same-sex marriage, showcasing widespread discrimination and misunderstanding regarding LGBTQ+ relationships. Its enactment in 1996 underscored a political climate resistant to change. However, as public opinion shifted towards greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights over the following decades, judicial rulings like United States v. Windsor illustrated this transformation. The eventual overturning of DOMA signifies not only a legal victory for same-sex couples but also a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and equality in American society.

Related terms

Same-Sex Marriage: The legal union of two individuals of the same sex, recognized by the state or federal government, which has been a contentious issue leading to legal battles across the U.S.

LGBTQ+ Rights: The movement advocating for the civil rights and social acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, encompassing issues like marriage equality.

United States v. Windsor: A landmark Supreme Court case in 2013 that struck down key provisions of DOMA, ruling that denying federal benefits to same-sex couples was unconstitutional.