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DOMA

The latest news about the DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act and its effects on LGBT Americans. DOMA, which prevented federal recognition of same-sex marriages that occurred in different states, passed Congress and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It was enacted in 1996. In 2013 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Act was unconstitutional, allowing spouses in same-sex marriages to receive federal benefits, including social security and joint tax returns. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

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Politicians

Obama's Legacy: A Domino Effect of Freedom

The president's deft repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" set the stage for a remarkable string of LGBT wins, writes Don't Tell Me to Wait author Kerry Eleveld.

Bernie Sanders at Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
Election

Bernie Sanders Doesn't Share Clinton's DOMA Memories

When Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, Sanders was in Congress and voted against it.

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Marriage Equality

Texas AG Sues to Deny Family Leave to Same-Sex Spouses

Attorney General Ken Paxton objects to a new Obama administration rule offering federally guaranteed family leave to all married same-sex couples.

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Marriage Equality

VA Refuses to Recognize Veteran’s Wife and Child

The Department of Veterans Affairs has frozen the disabled veteran’s benefits until she pays back the full amount the VA mistakenly awarded for her wife and child.

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Politics

Attorney General Eric Holder, Defender of LGBT Rights, to Step Down

Holder's tenure as attorney general will be marked by his dedication to civil rights and landmark LGBT cases.

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Marriage Equality

Feds: We've Extended All Possible Benefits to Same-Sex Couples

But federal laws make some married same-sex couples ineligible for certain Social Security and veterans' benefits, explains a new report.

Feinstein Baldwin Collins
Politics

Respect for Marriage Act Introduced to Protect Marriage Equality

U.S. senators and representatives introduced the bill Monday, and it will likely come to a vote in the House this week.

Rachel Maddow
Election

Maddow: 'There Is a Difference' Between Sanders, Clinton

The out MSNBC anchor said it matters whether DOMA is remembered as a "mistake that never should have happened."

Hillary Clinton
Election

Clinton Supports Her Husband's 'Defensive Action' as President

If it were Hillary Clinton serving as president instead of her husband in the '90s, the country might still have gotten the Defense of Marriage Act and "don't ask, don't tell."

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Marriage Equality

Edie Windsor: 'I'm Absolutely Thrilled!'

The plaintiff in the landmark case that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act two years ago celebrated Friday at the Stonewall Inn.

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Marriage Equality

LISTEN: Edie Windsor's Message for Fla. Gov. Rick Scott

'I implore you to use the power of your office to allow loving couples to marry now in your state,' says the woman who defeated DOMA.

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Voices

Op-ed: In the Wake of Windsor

A year after Edie Windsor's case helped ring in federal recognition of same-sex relationships, full equality is only becoming more tangible.

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Marriage Equality

Conn. Widower Sues Bayer for Spousal Pension Benefits

In initially denying the benefits, the company cited DOMA -- but it continues to withhold the funds even though the relevant portion of DOMA has been struck down.

Edie Windsor
Marriage Equality

Edie Windsor, Mother of Marriage Equality, Dead at 88

The lesbian pioneer was a plaintiff in a landmark case that paved the way for same-sex marriage in the United States.

Richard Neal and Elizabeth Warren
Politics

New Tax Bill Could Bring Refunds to Many Same-Sex Couples

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Richard Neal have proposed letting married same-sex couples file amended returns back to the year of their marriage.

HILLARY CLINTON AND BERNIE SANDERS
Election

More Activists Dispute Hillary Clinton's DOMA History

The way the Clintons talk about the passage of DOMA in 1996 has activists disappointed.

Ohio Republican and House Speaker John Boehner
Politics

WATCH: With John Boehner Resigning, Cheers Erupt

The Republican House speaker announced his resignation today and will leave Congress at the end of October.

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Marriage Equality

WATCH: DOMA Rises From the Dead in Texas

Even though the Supreme Court overturned a key provision of DOMA, Texas just successfully cited the law to block gay couples from getting family and medical leave.

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Marriage Equality

Same-Sex Couples Sue Social Security Over Benefit Snafu

The SSA overpaid some benefit recipients because it didn't recognize their marriages, and now it wants the money back -- but recipients say they shouldn't pay for the agency's mistake.

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Marriage Equality

Why the New Mississippi Marriage Case Is a Big Deal

When marriage equality mastermind Roberta Kaplan files a new lawsuit, it's a big deal.