The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is controversial for its definition of marriage as between a man and a woman and for the feeling of security it has provided states wishing to avoid any legal recognition of the relationships of same-sex couples and families. Because DOMA restricts marriage thusly, it deprives same-sex couples of numerous federal benefits, including tax, Social Security, health care, and retirement benefits.
The act’s invidious discrimination against gays and lesbians and its meddling in long-cherished concepts of equal protection and full faith and credit, have been condemned by a number of federal courts on varying issues. Most recently, the First and Second circuit courts of appeals have struck down DOMA’s definition of marriage as unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court has now agreed to hear the case.
