With all the chaos around DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) it’s helpful to understand exactly what the law does and how it might effect you as a couple. You can get details about the law
and the following article, courtesy of the Huffington Post and written by Bill Donius, explains more…
In case you don’t know what “DOMA” is, it is the legislation titled, “Defense of Marriage Act,” enacted in 1996. DOMA enshrines discrimination against gays and lesbians by permitting states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
Does DOMA matter? If you’re in a heterosexual marriage, recognition of same sex marriages may not matter to you. Your marriage is recognized by the state and federal government, not to mention your family, friends and co-workers — society in general. If you have one of these, you are entitled the automatic rights and privileges that go along with a civil marriage. i.e. if your spouse dies, you collect the benefits, you get the tax breaks, the hospital visitation rights and a myriad of other benefits conveyed by law. No problems, no questions asked.
