2012 Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

The 2012 ruling by the U.S. government declared that same-sex marriages performed in states where it was legal must be recognized nationwide. This decision, stemming from the Supreme Court's narrowing of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), ensured that federal benefits and legal rights—like taxes, Social Security, and immigration—are accessible to married same-sex couples across all states. It marked a significant step toward equality, affirming that marriage rights should be federally recognized regardless of state laws, promoting fairness and consistency in legal protections for LGBTQ+ couples.