Now that the federal Defense of Marriage Act has been stuck down will other states recognize either our marriage or civil union?
No. Only one portion of DOMA, the 1996 law, was struck down. The statute that was ruled unconstitutional outlawed the federal government from extending marriage benefits to married same-sex couples. States, like Colorado, are still allowed to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman.
Does the federal government have to recognize state civil unions?
“That’s unclear,” said Chris Stoll with the National Center for Lesbian Rights during a conference call organized by One Colorado. Since 1996, DOMA forbid even asking that question. “Now that DOMA is gone, there’s an open question the government hasn’t had to answer.”
If I’m a federal employee or a military service member who is legally married in another state, but live in Colorado, am I immediately eligible for all of the federal benefits of marriage?
Yes and no. While most federal benefits (like sponsoring a spouse for citizenship) cross state lines, some, like taxes are linked directly to state policies and other agencies. It’s going to take some time to sort through the more than 1,000 policies regarding marriage.
With DOMA struck down, what more do we have to do for full marriage equality?
The Supreme Court’s opinion was a major step forward toward marriage equality for same-sex couples. But there is still no nationwide solution, which most advocates believe the nation needs. “We’ll be back in front of the Supreme Court in several years, looking for a nation wide solution,” said a Thalia Zepatos from Freedom To Marry.
What they’re saying about marriage equality
“After Matt came out to me, he once asked me if I thought gay couples would ever be allowed to get married. I told him I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime, but it probably would in his. It’s so sad and ironic that it turned out the other way. But this case warms my heart, to think that his dream is still coming true. Dennis and I look forward to the day when loving, committed couples are able to marry in every state.” – Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard Foundation
“Today’s decision was a tremendous victory for the country and has brought us one step closer to equality under the law for LGBT people and families. The Supreme Court, in striking down the Defense of Marriage Act, affirmed the love and commitment of married gay and lesbian couples around the country. But there is still more work to do and we must use the strength of this momentum to ensure that all LGBT people and families in Colorado and throughout the country are treated equally under the law and have a fair shot at the American Dream.” – Congressman Jared Polis, D-Boulder
“This is a momentous day for America and for the vision of ‘equality for all’ to which we aspire. With the Supreme Court’s decisions on DOMA and Proposition 8, millions of Americans in loving marriages, and their children, can now fully participate in the American family, finally enjoying the same rights and benefits as every family in this country. For too long, ideology and politics have stood in the way of equality for the LGBT community in our nation. But today we are reminded that progress is indeed unavoidable and justice will eventually triumph.” – Congresswoman Diana DeGette, D-Denver
