(CNN) -- The wedding photo shows the happy couple poised to kiss, ready to begin an adventure that has now taken them to the U.S. Supreme Court. For Karane and Jamelle Thomas-Williams, this is a fight for recognition by the federal government of their legal same-sex union, part of a landmark constitutional appeal over same-sex marriage and "equal protection." Their love has united them, but the larger social issue has split the country for more than four decades. Rulings in that and a related appeal over state marriage laws are expected from the high court Wednesday. The Washington, D.C., couple were legally married last October -- but not in the eyes of some of their employers or elected leaders.
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Court to rule on Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
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It defines marriage as between one man, one woman
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Same-sex couples not able to receive federal perks for married
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Debate is over role of federal government in the issue
Washington, D.C.
Adding to the confusion is Karane's status as a @placeholder government employee.
Supreme Court
In our system of government, the administration doesn't get to decide what's constitutional -- the @placeholder does.
Washington, D.C.
"We sent our elected representatives to @placeholder, and they chose to say that marriage is one man and one woman for purposes of federal law."
Washington, D.C.
Sitting in their comfortable @placeholder home, they appear blissfully happy being together, but DOMA has put unexpected strains on the marriage because of "little frustrations."
Defense of Marriage Act
DOMA
Sitting in their comfortable Washington home, they appear blissfully happy being together, but @placeholder has put unexpected strains on the marriage because of "little frustrations."
Jamelle Thomas-Williams
For one thing, they worry what could happen when @placeholder gets sent overseas in a war zone.
Karane
Financially, making sure that the responsibility that we have to each other and to our families is taken care of, and it would be like I'm leaving @placeholder in a lurch."