Defense of Marriage Act

Two cases from Massachusetts, which already allows gay marriage, are also working their way through appeal on whether the national Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it prevents married gay couples from receiving federal benefits.

California Geoffrey A. Fowler 2010

In 1996, he was one of only 14 senators who voted against the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars the federal government from recognizing same-sex unions that have been authorized by the states.

Geoffrey R. Stone: Kennedy/Obama: Does the Dream Live On? 2009

This week, the Obama administration is facing the ire of gay rights groups after it filed a brief in California federal court defending the Defense of Marriage Act and calling it a "valid exercise of Congress' power" that is saving taxpayers money.

OPEN THREAD 2009

He said that as a candidate, said it again as president, said that he supported the Defense of Marriage Act. John Kerry, by the way, voted against the Defense of Marriage Act. one of only 14 Senators to do so and that law was passed with the support of people like Tom Daschle and Joe Biden and signed into law by Bill Clinton.

CNN Transcript Mar 2, 2004 2004

But wait, there's already a law, the national Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

CNN Transcript Nov 23, 2003 2003

More and more people across this land know people who are gay, who want to have a lasting relationship, who look at marriage as an economic agreement as well as an emotional agreement, said Feinstein, one of 14 senators who voted against the Defense of Marriage Act and is the lead sponsor of a bill that would repeal the act.

USATODAY.com News 2011

Barbara Boxer, to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 when it passed the Senate 85-14 and was approved overwhelmingly by the House.

SFGate: Top News Stories Chron clochhead@sfchronicle.com (Carolyn Lochhead 2011

Obama condemned bullying against young gay people and lashed out against the federal Defense of Marriage Act, saying that just like "don't ask, don't tell," it should be relegated to "history books."

News - chicagotribune.com 2011

Barbara Boxer, to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 when it passed the Senate 85-14 and was approved overwhelmingly by the House.

SFGate: Top News Stories Chron clochhead@sfchronicle.com (Carolyn Lochhead 2011

Barbara Boxer, to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 when it passed the Senate 85-14 and was approved overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives.

SFGate: Top News Stories Chron clochhead@sfchronicle.com (Carolyn Lochhead 2011