Defensense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

In 1996, DOMA "Defense of Marriage Act" was passed by congress and signed by President Bill Clinton. When the Defense of Marriage Act "DOMA" became law, no state licensed or certified marriages of same-sex couples. DOMA attempts to exempt states from their legal obligation to respect marriages of same-sex couples under the constitutional rules of full faith and credit. DOMA discredits any same-sex relationship “that is treated as a marriage” under state laws, such as Vermont’s civil union law, as well as any “right or claim arising from such a relationship.” With DOMA states can justify their refusal to provide equal treatment and respect to civil unions. In 1996 DOMA was made a law and ever since it has became the "public policy" against marriage and other rights for same sex couples. DOMA creates a federal definition of marriage for law and program purposes. The word "marriage" under this law only means "union". DOMA only recognizes the term "spouse" when it is referred to a relationship between a man and a woman. DOMA is a discriminating law that does not accept gay marriage and in some states is interpreted to not accept civil unions.