At the time, it was thought that the first effect was most important, and it appears first in the law. Over ten years later, the second effect has emerged as most important, and in early 2009 a lawsuit was filed in [[Massachusetts]] to force the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed there. | At the time, it was thought that the first effect was most important, and it appears first in the law. Over ten years later, the second effect has emerged as most important, and in early 2009 a lawsuit was filed in [[Massachusetts]] to force the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed there. |