Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

Definition

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was a United States federal law enacted in 1996 that defined marriage as a union solely between one man and one woman, effectively denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages. This legislation significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ rights movement by codifying discrimination against same-sex couples, which prompted activism and legal challenges aimed at achieving marriage equality and broader civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DOMA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996, reflecting widespread societal opposition to same-sex marriage at that time.
2. The law prevented states from being required to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, creating a patchwork of marriage rights across the country.
3. In 2013, parts of DOMA were struck down by the Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor, which ruled that the federal government must recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in states where they were allowed.
4. The ruling in Windsor was a crucial turning point for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, paving the way for subsequent legal challenges that led to nationwide marriage equality.
5. Ultimately, DOMA was rendered obsolete after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015, which established that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Review Questions

• How did DOMA influence the trajectory of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States?
  • DOMA played a significant role in shaping the LGBTQ+ rights movement by institutionalizing discrimination against same-sex couples. Its passage galvanized activists to fight for marriage equality and other civil rights, leading to increased visibility and support for LGBTQ+ issues. As legal challenges arose against DOMA, they highlighted the injustices faced by same-sex couples and mobilized public opinion in favor of equal rights.
• What were the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. Windsor for DOMA and the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. Windsor was pivotal as it struck down key provisions of DOMA, allowing for federal recognition of same-sex marriages performed in states where they were legal. This decision not only invalidated discriminatory federal policies but also provided momentum for further legal challenges aimed at achieving full marriage equality. It signified a shift in judicial perspective toward recognizing and protecting LGBTQ+ rights as fundamental civil rights.
• Evaluate the significance of Obergefell v. Hodges in relation to DOMA and its impact on American society.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges was monumental because it declared that state bans on same-sex marriage violated the Constitution, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide and nullifying DOMA's impact. This ruling marked a historic victory for the LGBTQ+ rights movement and reshaped societal views on marriage and family. It solidified marriage equality as an essential aspect of civil rights in America, fostering greater acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within society.

Related terms

Marriage Equality: The state of being able to marry regardless of gender or sexual orientation, allowing same-sex couples the same legal rights and recognition as heterosexual couples.

Same-Sex Marriage: A legally recognized marriage between two individuals of the same sex, which has been the subject of significant legal and political debates in many countries.

Obergefell v. Hodges: A landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that ruled state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage across the United States.