Changes

Unheard of a few decades ago these unions are one of a number of issues involving gay rights and the "culture wars."{{fact}} In the United States, marriage is primarily governed by each individual state and marriage laws differ from state to state.

Unheard of a few decades ago these unions are one of a number of issues involving gay rights and the "culture wars."{{fact}} In the United States, marriage is primarily governed by each individual state and marriage laws differ from state to state.

== History ==

== Background ==

In 1996 Congress recognized the likelihood that gay rights advocates would soon seek changes in some states, and was concerned about test cases that would make it to the Supreme Court which would require a state that did not allow homosexual unions to recognize as valid a state that issued licenses for gay unions. The Defense of Marriage act was passed, which President Clinton signed, prevents this possibility, and does not allow the Federal Government to recognize marriage as anything other than between a man and a woman.

In 1996 Congress recognized the likelihood that gay rights advocates would soon seek changes in some states, and was concerned about test cases that would make it to the Supreme Court which would require a state that did not allow homosexual unions to recognize as valid a state that issued licenses for gay unions. The Defense of Marriage act was passed, which President Clinton signed, prevents this possibility, and does not allow the Federal Government to recognize marriage as anything other than between a man and a woman.