On Thursday May 31st, the federal appeals court in Boston unanimously ruled that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it deprives gay couples of the rights and privileges granted to heterosexual couples. The three judge panel ruled in favor of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and state Attorney General Martha Coakley. Despite the defense composed largely from the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group, the plaintiffs succeeded in convincing the three judges that Section 3 of DOMA, which dealt with health and tax benefits for married homosexual couples, was unconstitutional.
In the short run, there will be no policy changes until the Supreme Court has the opportunity to rule on the case. However, both social conservatives and liberals now have this issue on their radar for the upcoming presidential elections. Even as some states ban gay marriage while others legalize it, the court's decision on Thursday sets the stage for Supreme Court ruling which may decide the issue definitively.
For further information regarding family law and more please contact the Orange County Family Attorneys at 714-971-8000. Call today for your free 60-minute consultation!
