Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

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 barring federal recognition of same-sex marriages. This law played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ families, particularly by denying federal benefits to same-sex couples and contributing to discrimination against them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DOMA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996, and it was aimed at protecting the traditional definition of marriage amid growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships.
2. The law prevented same-sex couples from receiving federal benefits that were available to heterosexual couples, including tax benefits, Social Security, and immigration rights.
3. Although DOMA defined marriage at the federal level, many states began to legalize same-sex marriage independently, leading to conflicts with DOMA’s provisions.
4. In 2013, the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Windsor struck down a key provision of DOMA as unconstitutional, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights.
5. The full legal recognition of same-sex marriage was ultimately achieved nationwide with the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling in 2015, which invalidated DOMA's definitions across all states.

Review Questions

• How did DOMA impact the legal rights of same-sex couples in the United States?
  • DOMA had a significant impact on the legal rights of same-sex couples by defining marriage as a union exclusively between one man and one woman. This restricted access to federal benefits for same-sex couples, which included taxation and inheritance rights. The law contributed to widespread discrimination against LGBTQ+ families by denying them equal recognition and protection under federal law.
• Discuss the ways in which DOMA was challenged in courts and how these challenges contributed to the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement.
  • DOMA faced numerous legal challenges over the years as advocates fought for equal treatment under the law. Key cases such as United States v. Windsor highlighted the discriminatory nature of DOMA and led to its eventual dismantling. These court cases not only exposed the flaws in DOMA but also energized the LGBTQ+ rights movement by rallying public support and influencing societal attitudes toward same-sex marriage and equality.
• Evaluate the significance of the Supreme Court decisions related to DOMA in shaping contemporary views on marriage equality in the United States.
  • The Supreme Court decisions related to DOMA, particularly United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges, were pivotal in reshaping contemporary views on marriage equality. These rulings not only declared key provisions of DOMA unconstitutional but also affirmed that same-sex couples have the right to marry nationwide. This shift in judicial interpretation represented a broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights within American society and helped pave the way for legislative changes that support equality and inclusion for all families.

Related terms

Same-Sex Marriage: A legally recognized marriage between two people of the same sex, which has been the focal point of many legal battles and discussions regarding LGBTQ+ rights.

Obergefell v. Hodges: A landmark 2015 Supreme Court case that ruled state-level bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, effectively overturning DOMA's restrictions on federal recognition.

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: A social and political movement advocating for equal rights and acceptance for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual or gender minorities.