Federal

Though marriage licenses are issued by state governments, there are more than a thousand federal laws pertaining to marriage that create a safety-net of critical protections and responsibilities for couples and their families.

Federal marriage recognition enables married couples to:

  • Share Social Security benefits with a spouse
  • Sponsor a partner for a green card or U.S. citizenship
  • File joint tax returns

The discriminatory “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA), enacted in 1996, deprives married same-sex couples of federal marriage recognition and the more than a thousand protections that it provides. Same-sex couples who celebrate long-awaited state recognition of their commitment face the harsh reality of federal marriage discrimination as they strive to secure protections and stability for their families.

To end federal marriage discrimination, we must repeal the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” and return the federal government to its longstanding practice of honoring marriages without a “gay exception.” We will do this by both: 

Winning more states and building popular support will also encourage steps like President Obama’s April 2010 directive on hospital visitation, which increased public education and political momentum.

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Marriage equality, revisited: Two years after Proposition 8, California sees changing opinions

If a vote similar to Proposition 8 upholding a ban on the freedom to marry were held tomorrow, a majority of Californians say they would cast ballots in favor of allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry, according to a survey released last week.

Excluded: a bi-national couple’s struggle to stay together

Lisa Bell’s film “Excluded” shows pursuit of a loving bi-national couple’s pursuit of finding a place where they can build their lives and grow old together. After 17 years the journey goes on…

1 in 4 Californians have grown more supportive of gay rights, survey finds

One in four Californians have become more supportive of gay rights over the last five years, compared with 8% who said they had become more opposed, according to a survey released Wednesday.

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Resources Related to Federal

FAQ on the Federal District Court’s Rulings Overturning DOMA Section 3

FAQ from GLAD on the recent rulings in the Federal District Court of Massachusetts striking down DOMA Section 3.

List of 1,138 Federal Rights, Benefits, and Privileges of Marriage

Report issued by the General Accounting Office.

Respect for Marriage Act Co-Sponsors

Which Congresspersons are currently co-sponsors of the Respect for Marriage Act?

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