The Defense of Marriage Act, commonly referred to as DOMA, was enacted in response to increasing advocacy for same-sex marriage in the United States. During the early 1990s, several states began to consider laws that allowed same-sex couples to marry, raising fears among opponents who believed this could undermine traditional marriage. Consequently, Congress sought to define marriage at the federal level to clarify that only heterosexual unions would be recognized, thus limiting access to federal health and pension benefits, as well as tax provisions available to married couples. On September 21, 1996, the act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton, reflecting the political landscape of the time, where many politicians were hesitant to support full equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. Notably, the Act also allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

DOMA's passage was a reflection of the cultural and political climate of the 1990s, influenced by various advocacy groups and public sentiment that varied significantly across different regions of the country. Over subsequent years, the act faced numerous legal challenges, ultimately leading to significant questions about its constitutionality. The law remained on the books until a pivotal Supreme Court decision in 2013 that declared parts of it unconstitutional, recognizing the rights of same-sex couples. This trajectory highlighted the increasing acceptance and legal recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals, marking a significant turn in the national discourse surrounding marriage equality.