Defense of Marriage Act

Definition

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was a federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage for federal purposes as the union between one man and one woman. It aimed to deny federal recognition of same-sex marriages and allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. DOMA significantly impacted LGBTQ+ rights by reinforcing discriminatory practices against same-sex couples in various legal and financial areas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DOMA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996, during a time of significant opposition to same-sex marriage.
2. The law denied federal benefits such as tax exemptions and Social Security survivor benefits to same-sex couples, which were available to heterosexual couples.
3. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Windsor that the federal definition of marriage in DOMA was unconstitutional, leading to increased recognition of same-sex marriage.
4. While DOMA was overturned for federal purposes, many states continued to uphold their own bans on same-sex marriage until further legal challenges led to broader changes.
5. The repeal of DOMA marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, influencing public opinion and paving the way for subsequent legislation and court rulings.

Review Questions

• How did the Defense of Marriage Act influence the legal status of same-sex couples in the United States?
  • The Defense of Marriage Act established a federal definition of marriage that excluded same-sex couples, denying them numerous legal and financial benefits that heterosexual couples received. This exclusion reinforced existing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and hindered their ability to secure rights associated with marriage. The act also allowed states to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, creating a patchwork of legality across the country.
• Evaluate the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. Windsor on DOMA and its effects on LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. Windsor effectively invalidated key sections of DOMA, declaring that denying federal recognition to same-sex marriages was unconstitutional. This landmark decision not only provided immediate benefits to many same-sex couples but also set a precedent for further legal challenges against discriminatory laws. The ruling played a crucial role in shifting public perception and laying the groundwork for future cases like Obergefell v. Hodges, which ultimately legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
• Analyze how the repeal of DOMA reflects broader societal changes regarding LGBTQ+ rights in America.
  • The repeal of DOMA signifies a major shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting increased acceptance and support for same-sex marriage over time. This change reflects decades of activism and advocacy by LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who fought against discrimination and sought equality under the law. The eventual invalidation of DOMA also illustrates how legal victories can influence public opinion and pave the way for legislative changes, marking a transformative era in American history where LGBTQ+ rights gained substantial recognition and protection.

Related terms

Same-Sex Marriage: Marriage between two individuals of the same gender, which became a focal point in legal battles for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the context of DOMA.

United States v. Windsor:

A landmark Supreme Court case from 2013 that ruled parts of DOMA unconstitutional, paving the way for greater legal recognition of same-sex marriages.

Obergefell v. Hodges:

The 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, built on the foundation laid by the ruling in United States v. Windsor.