Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Congress passes Defense of Marriage Act, banning federal same-sex marriage recognition

9/21/2025

39 8

Summary

Story summary

On September 21, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) into law. This federal legislation defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages and permitting states to refuse to acknowledge such unions from other states.

1 of 1

Story summary

On September 21, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) into law. This federal legislation defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages and permitting states to refuse to acknowledge such unions from other states.