DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act)

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacted in 1996 in the United States, defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman for federal purposes. This law allowed states to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states. It primarily aimed to prevent the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, impacting various benefits and legal rights. In 2013, parts of DOMA were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, paving the way for greater legal recognition and rights for same-sex couples. The act highlighted the significant cultural and legal debates surrounding marriage equality in America.