Why did the Supreme Court strike down Section 3 of DOMA?

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The Supreme Court Struck Down Section 3 of DOMA Due to Constitutional Violations of Equal Protection

The Supreme Court invalidated Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) because it contravened the US Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law. This federal statute, which defined marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman for the purposes of federal benefits, was found to be discriminatory and imposed a "stigma" upon legally recognized same-sex couples.
Violation of Equal Protection

The majority opinion, authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy, concluded that Section 3 of DOMA violated the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause, which includes an equal protection component. The Court found that the law's purpose and effect were to "disparage and to injure" same-sex couples, thereby denying them the equal application of federal laws and benefits. This discriminatory intent was central to the Court's decision to strike down the provision.
Denial of Federal Benefits and Rights

Prior to this ruling, Section 3 of DOMA prevented legally married same-sex couples from accessing over 1,100 federal benefits and rights. These benefits are tied to marital status for federal purposes, and the Act's definition excluded same-sex unions recognized by states. The Supreme Court's decision removed this barrier, allowing these couples to claim entitlements previously reserved for heterosexual married individuals.
Impact on Same-Sex Couples

The landmark ruling directly impacts legally married same-sex couples by restoring their access to federal benefits. For instance, Edith Windsor, who initiated a lawsuit after being required to pay a significant federal estate tax upon her wife's death due to DOMA, is set to receive a US$363,000 tax refund. This outcome signifies a substantial shift in the legal standing and recognition of same-sex marriages at the federal level.

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Why did the Supreme Court strike down Section 3 of DOMA?

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