Supreme Court Declares DOMA Unconstitutional
June 26th, 2013
June 26th, 2013
How Long Ago?
11 years, 8 months, 17 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Justice Anthony Kennedy
- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Edith Windsor
- Justice Clarence Thomas
- Justice Elena Kagan
Links & References
- Supreme Court of the United States
- Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution
- United States v. Windsor
- Defense of Marriage Act
Tags
Supreme Court Declares DOMA Unconstitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prevented federal recognition of same-sex marriages, was unconstitutional. This 5–4 decision, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, cited a violation of the Fifth Amendment's due process clause. The ruling came from a case involving Edith Windsor, who was denied a federal estate tax exemption after her same-sex partner passed away. Windsor’s challenge marked a significant moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Ruling was 5–4 in favor of unconstitutionality
Edith Windsor challenged DOMA after partner's death
Legislation denied federal benefits to same-sex couples
Set precedent for future marriage equality rulings
What Happened?
The Supreme Court's ruling on DOMA stemmed from a legal challenge initiated by Edith Windsor following the death of her partner, Thea Spyer. Windsor was required to pay over $363,000 in estate taxes because their marriage was not federally recognized under DOMA. The case reached the Supreme Court, which reviewed arguments about the constitutionality of DOMA's Section 3. This section specifically defined marriage as being between one man and one woman for federal purposes, thereby excluding same-sex couples from various federal benefits. The Supreme Court's deliberations highlighted the legal, social, and personal ramifications of this Act on same-sex couples nationwide.
On June 26, 2013, the Court issued a narrow ruling declaring that Section 3 of DOMA violated the principles of due process and equal protection embedded in the Fifth Amendment. The majority opinion emphasized that the law's purpose was to demean and disparage same-sex relationships, effectively undermining the dignity and equal treatment of same-sex couples. The decision was received as a major victory for advocates of LGBTQ+ rights and opened avenues for same-sex couples to access federal benefits previously unavailable to them, enhancing both financial and emotional well-being.
The effect of this ruling was far-reaching. It not only invalidated a key piece of federal legislation that blocked same-sex marriage recognition but also set a precedent for future rulings concerning marriage equality. Less than two years later, the Supreme Court would rule again on same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges, solidifying the rights recognized in Windsor’s case across all states. The legacy of Windsor v. United States continues to influence LGBTQ+ rights, legal norms, and societal attitudes toward marriage in America.
Why Does it Matter?
The ruling is significant as it marked a pivotal turn in the legal landscape surrounding same-sex marriage and LGBT rights in the United States. It laid the groundwork for greater recognition of same-sex marriages at the state and federal levels, facilitating the subsequent nationwide legalization of such unions. The decision galvanized activists and supporters, leading to increased public awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues, reshaping American society's understanding of marriage and equality.
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