To the Point
State Laws, Federal Laws and the Institution of Marriage
Today, the US Supreme Court heard arguments for and against the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits "marriage" to a man and a woman in 1100 federal regulations.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenToday, the US Supreme Court heard arguments for and against DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act. It limits "marriage" to a man and a woman when it comes to more than 1100 federal rules and regulations regarding taxes and benefits. Does that violate the rights of gays and lesbians in states that recognize same-sex marriage? On Reporter's Notebook, North Dakota challenges Roe v. Wade.
Banner image: Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) (L) stands with plaintiff Edith Windsor (2nd L) as she greets supporters outside after arguments in her case against the Defense of Marriage Act at the US Supreme Court, March 27, 2013. Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
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2 storiesState Laws, Federal Laws and the Institution of Marriage
The federal Defense of Marriage Act was cobbled together in 1996, after the Supreme Court of Hawaii suggested there might be a right to same-sex marriage. Because of DOMA, more than 1100 rules and regulations limit taxes and benefits only to heterosexual couples. Bill Clinton now says he regrets having signed it.
Read the story42 minNorth Dakota Bans Most Abortions
When he signed the nation's three toughest abortion restrictions yesterday, North Dakota's Republican Governor Jack Dalrymple conceded they might be thrown out by federal courts but said he and the state legislature wanted "to discover the boundaries of Roe v.
Read the story9 min
