Pros
- The Federal Defense of Marriage Act does not prohibit gay marriage, so states such as Massachusetts are free to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples.
- Married gay and lesbian couples are given the 1,049 marriage benefits also granted to heterosexual couples in states that legalize gay marriage.
Cons
- The federal government does not recognize gay marriages, which means gay and lesbian partners of federal employees do not receive federal health insurance, Social Security or any of the other benefits given to the spouses of heterosexual employees.
- The Federal Defense of Marriage Act does not require states to recognize gay marriages, allowing individual states to ban same-sex marriage.
Where it Stands
Read the latest on gay marriage!
