Defense of Marriage Act

Definition

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was a federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as a legal union exclusively between one man and one woman. This law denied federal recognition of same-sex marriages and allowed states to refuse to recognize such marriages performed in other jurisdictions, significantly impacting the legal landscape for same-sex couples and their rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DOMA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996, primarily as a response to growing advocacy for same-sex marriage rights.
2. The act's Section 3 defined marriage at the federal level as a union between one man and one woman, affecting numerous legal benefits and recognitions for same-sex couples.
3. Several states passed laws or constitutional amendments in direct response to DOMA, reinforcing bans on same-sex marriage within their jurisdictions.
4. In 2013, the Supreme Court's decision in U.S. v. Windsor deemed Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional, marking a significant step towards marriage equality in the United States.
5. Despite its initial passage, DOMA's influence waned over time as more states began legalizing same-sex marriage, culminating in the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Review Questions

• How did the Defense of Marriage Act influence state-level legislation regarding same-sex marriage?
  • The Defense of Marriage Act influenced state-level legislation by enabling states to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. This led to a wave of state-level bans on same-sex marriage, with many states enacting laws or constitutional amendments affirming the traditional definition of marriage. As a result, DOMA effectively created a patchwork of marriage laws across the country, complicating legal recognition for same-sex couples.
• Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court case U.S. v. Windsor on the future of the Defense of Marriage Act.
  • The implications of U.S. v. Windsor were profound for the future of the Defense of Marriage Act. The Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of DOMA was unconstitutional because it violated the principles of equal protection under the law. This decision invalidated the federal government's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages, allowing those couples access to federal benefits previously denied under DOMA. This landmark ruling set a precedent for subsequent challenges to discriminatory marriage laws and played a pivotal role in advancing marriage equality.
• Evaluate the impact that the repeal of DOMA had on LGBT rights and societal perceptions of marriage in the United States.
  • The repeal of DOMA significantly advanced LGBT rights by affirming the legitimacy and equality of same-sex marriages at the federal level. It transformed societal perceptions of marriage by normalizing and recognizing diverse relationships, thereby fostering broader acceptance within society. Following its repeal, numerous states legalized same-sex marriage, leading to increased visibility and support for LGBT individuals and issues. Ultimately, this shift contributed to a culture that values inclusivity and equality, further shaping discussions around civil rights in America.

Related terms

Same-Sex Marriage: A legally recognized marriage between two individuals of the same sex, which gained significant legal traction in the early 21st century.

Marriage Equality: The state of having the same legal rights and recognition for all marriages, regardless of the gender of the individuals involved.

U.S. v. Windsor: A landmark Supreme Court case in 2013 that struck down a key provision of DOMA, ruling that it was unconstitutional for denying federal benefits to same-sex couples.