Topic: Defense of Marriage Act

Will California gay-marriage trial go to Supreme Court?

As a federal court considers the constitutionality of a voter-approved ban in California, some gay-marriage advocates say a Supreme Court decision could be the best path to legalization.

After New Jersey defeat, gay marriage advocates turn to courts

Gay-rights activists in New Jersey said they would file a lawsuit following the defeat of the gay-marriage bill in the state Senate Thursday. But the effort to legalize gay marriage through the courts carries its own risks.

Far-left Democrats rule race for Kennedy’s Senate seat

Each of the four Democratic candidates tends to skew pretty far left, and many likely voters are dedicated Democrats as well. Massachusetts holds its primary in the race for Kennedy’s Senate seat on Tuesday.

DC votes to allow gay marriage, but issue not settled

DC councilors voted Tuesday on the gay-marriage measure, but another vote will take place in the coming weeks. Congress could also intervene.

Et tu lefties? Obama takes flak from his liberal 'friends'

They supported him during the presidential campaign, but liberals are beginning to criticize Obama on everything from Afghanistan to the economy to climate change.

Maine's vote on gay marriage draws national attention

For the first time, voters in the US could approve same-sex marriage. In other parts of the country – and in Washington – the push is on to legalize gay marriage.

Obama signs bill expanding hate crimes to sexual orientation

Gay-rights groups welcomed the move, which expands hate-crime law to include crimes based on gender and sexual orientation. But some legal scholars suggest it's an overreach of federal power.

Washington, D.C. moves toward legalizing gay marriage

Meanwhile, Congress is now likely to add sexual orientation to federal hate crimes law, and President Obama will address a major gay-rights organization Saturday night.

Obama to give keynote address at gay rights dinner

Obama will be the second US president to speak before the Human Rights Campaign, a leading gay rights organization.

Obama 'supports repeal' of same-sex marriage ban, lawyers say

A legal brief filed Monday states the administration's opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act. Yet administration lawyers are still defending the law, angering gay-rights groups.

Federal law excluding gay marriage is under siege

Massachusetts is not the first to sue against the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. But it could be the most important.

In gay-marriage battle, D.C. shapes up as next big prize

As of Tuesday, Washington gives same-sex spouses the same rights as heterosexual couples. A full legalization of gay marriage could follow, some say.

In giving same-sex partners benefits, Obama walks a tightrope

Gay-rights advocates want the president to live up to his campaign promises, but he might be wary of taking up their cause with so much already on his plate.

Obama move on same-sex benefits: small costs, big politics

Iowa's top court brings gay marriage to America's heartland

The unanimous ruling held that the state's same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional.

Gay activists protest Mormon church

Beyond the anger over the church's support for a gay-marriage ban in California, some seek dialogue.