What are the political reasons for the Defense of Marriage Act?

Answer 1

This law was a reflection of bias that was prevalent in 1996, when it was passed. It was enacted in response to activism and legal decisions in the state of Hawaii that indicated this state might be about to legalize same-sex marriage, which it did not.

Answer 2

At the time, it was enacted, the reasons cited were precisely these:

1. defending and nurturing the institution of traditional, heterosexual marriage;
2. defending traditional notions of morality;
3. protecting state sovereignty and democratic self-governance; and,
4. preserving scarce government resources.

H.R. Rep. No. 104-664 at 12 (1996).

Currently, the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group ("BLAG") cites these reasons:

1. maintaining consistency in citizens' eligibility for federal benefits;
2. promoting social understanding that marriage is related to childrearing; and,
3. providing children with two parents of opposite sex.

On June 26, 2013, in striking down Section 3 of DOMA, the Supreme Court cited animus against gays and lesbians as the only apparent reason for enacting that section.

Answer 3

Its purpose was to enable the federal and state governments to deny recognition to legally married same-sex couples.