On the Defense of Marriage Act
The court found in favor of a New York woman who sued after being denied, under a section of the Defense of Marriage Act, a marriage exemption from federal taxes on the estate of her late same-sex spouse. The court said that because that section of DOMA treats legally married same-sex couples differently from other married couples, it is unconstitutional.
On the California same-sex marriage case
California Proposition 8, a ballot issue, amended the state constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage. Challenged in a federal court, it was struck down. The state declined to appeal the decision, so supporters of the amendment filed their own appeal. The Supreme Court, ruling narrowly, decided the supporters lacked standing to appeal in place of the state. The ruling leaves standing the lower court decision that same-sex marriage is legal in California.
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