DOMA was enacted in 1996 , when Hawaii was considering legalizing same-sex marriage . At issue is whether federal benefits can be denied in marriages legal under state law . The case has been closely watched by gay rights advocates and the Obama administration, which had urged a stay of the ruling. The appeals court notes it may ultimately be up to the Supreme Court to decide . The law is being defended by congressional Republicans , not the Obama administration .
At issue is whether federal benefits can be denied in marriages legal under state law . The case has been closely watched by gay rights advocates and the Obama administration, which had urged a stay of the ruling. The appeals court notes it may ultimately be up to the Supreme Court to decide . The law is being defended by congressional Republicans , not the Obama administration .