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High-profile 1st Circuit DOMA challenge packs courtroom 

By: Dan McDonald
Published: April 9, 2012

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, gay marriage, same-sex marriage

The 1st Circuit heard arguments last week in the legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that bars same-sex married couples from marital protections.

The plaintiffs in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management are state residents represented by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. The plaintiffs allege they have been harmed by the federal government, which, under DOMA, has refused to recognize their marriages, meaning that they do not have access to Social Security protections, family health insurance policies or joint income tax filings.

Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional 

Published: February 28, 2012

Tags: civil rights, Defense of Marriage Act, gay marriage

The federal Defense of Marriage Act could not be enforced to deny a federal employee the right to have her same-sex spouse covered under her health insurance plan, a U.S. District Court in California has ruled in granting summary judgment.

ABA declares support for repeal of DOMA 

Published: November 8, 2011

Tags: ABA, American Bar Association, Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA

The American Bar Association is throwing its support behind legislation that would repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

DOJ won’t appeal same-sex bankruptcy filings 

Published: July 13, 2011

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, Department of Justice, DOMA, same-sex marriage

The Department of Justice will no longer appeal joint petitions filed by legally married same-sex partners, the agency has announced.

Married same-sex couple may file joint Chapter 13 petition 

Published: June 14, 2011

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, same-sex marriage

A legally married same-sex couple can file a joint bankruptcy petition, and denying their petition would violate their equal protection rights, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in California has ruled.

The fallout from defending DOMA 

Published: May 4, 2011

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA

The battle over the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act has now shifted to a battle over the law’s defense.

DOMA repeal may streamline practice areas 

By: Christina Pazzanese
Published: March 9, 2011

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, Department of Justice, DOJ, DOMA, gay marriage, Obama, same-sex marriage

The Department of Justice’s decision to stop defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act against legal challenges could eventually transform several major practice areas in states that permit gay marriage.

House to defend DOMA 

By: Correy Stephenson
Published: March 7, 2011

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, Department of Justice, DOJ, DOMA, Eric Holder, gay marriage, John Boehner, same-sex couples, same-sex marriage

In response to the recent decision that the Department of Justice will no longer defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act against legal challenges, Speaker of the House John Boehner announced that the House will send its own lawyers to defend the law in federal court.

Maryland Senate adopts same-sex marriage bill 

By: Steve Lash
Published: February 25, 2011

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, gay marriage, Obama, same-sex couples, same-sex marriage

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Senate on Thursday night passed legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the state with a vote of 25 to 21.

DOJ announces it will stop defending DOMA 

By: Correy Stephenson
Published: February 24, 2011

Tags: Defense of Marriage Act, Department of Justice, DOJ, DOMA, equal protection, Eric Holder, gay marriage, Obama, same-sex couples, same-sex marriage

At the request of President Barack Obama, the Department of Justice has announced that it will no longer defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act against legal challenges.