key term - Defense of Marriage Act

Definition

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was a federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman, effectively denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages. This law played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights and sparked extensive legal battles and activism within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in relation to marriage equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DOMA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996, amid a climate of growing opposition to same-sex marriage.
2. The law not only defined marriage at the federal level but also allowed states to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states.
3. The Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Windsor led to significant changes, as it invalidated the section of DOMA that denied federal benefits to married same-sex couples.
4. Despite being ruled unconstitutional, the legacy of DOMA influenced public opinion and legal arguments surrounding marriage rights for years after its passage.
5. The eventual ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges marked the culmination of decades of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and established same-sex marriage as a constitutional right nationwide.

Review Questions

• How did the Defense of Marriage Act influence the fight for marriage equality in the United States?
  • DOMA significantly influenced the fight for marriage equality by codifying discrimination against same-sex couples at the federal level. Its definition of marriage as between one man and one woman denied same-sex couples access to over 1,000 federal benefits and protections associated with marriage. This sparked widespread activism and legal challenges that ultimately led to landmark cases such as United States v. Windsor, which began to dismantle its legal framework.
• Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Windsor on DOMA and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Windsor was a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights as it declared Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional, thereby granting federal recognition to same-sex marriages recognized by states. This decision not only allowed same-sex couples access to federal benefits but also set a legal precedent that challenged discriminatory laws and provided momentum for further advancements in marriage equality, culminating in Obergefell v. Hodges.
• Evaluate how DOMA's passage and subsequent legal challenges reflect broader societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights in America.
  • The passage of DOMA reflected a period of heightened resistance to LGBTQ+ rights during the 1990s, showcasing societal attitudes that viewed same-sex relationships as inferior. However, the subsequent legal challenges against DOMA indicated a shift in public sentiment towards greater acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. The eventual Supreme Court rulings that invalidated key provisions of DOMA and recognized marriage equality illustrate how activism can reshape societal values and lead to significant legal reforms in favor of equality.

Related terms

Marriage Equality:

The legal recognition of same-sex marriage, granting same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.

United States v. Windsor:

A landmark Supreme Court case in 2013 that struck down key provisions of DOMA, ruling that the federal government could not deny recognition to same-sex marriages performed under state law.

Obergefell v. Hodges:

A pivotal Supreme Court decision in 2015 that ruled state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional, further solidifying marriage equality in the United States.