Gay+Rights

Many states have passed laws banning same-sex marriages.

In 1996, Congress enacted a bill called the Defense of Marriage Act. Under it, no state would have to give legal status to a same-sex marriage performed in another state, and it would define marriage as a lawful union of husband and wife.

State and federal laws on this matter could be overturned if the Supreme Court should decide in favor of same-sex marriage. This could be prevented by an amendment to the Constitution, but Congress isn't willing to propose one and, if one was proposed, it isn't clear that states would ratify it.

Private groups are able to exclude homosexuals from their membership.