Rainbow Rulings: Separate but Equal is Unconstitutional

Abstract

In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court (USSC) delivered two landmark decisions for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) community: United States v. Windsor (570 U.S. 2013) and Hollingsworth, et al., v. Kristin M. Perry (570 U.S. 2013). Known as the “Rainbow Rulings” and the “Twin Victories,” these two cases advance both gay rights and civil rights. The Windsor case struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) of 1996 (Pub L. 104-199), which defined marriage at the federal level as between a man and a woman; rendering the definition unconstitutional. As a result, federal benefits must be instated to married gay couples.