Making Sense of the Court’s Confusion

The Supreme Court’s confusing rulings now extend federal recognition to same-sex marriages in the states where they are legal. The twin rulings have no direct effect on the constitutional amendments in the 29 states that limit marriage to heterosexual couples.

As for the ‘Defense of Marriage Act,’  the court ruled against the part denying benefits to legally married gay couples, only. Same-sex couples, under federal law, will now, as a result of the ruling, be considered “married.”  The provision affects 1,100 federal laws, ranging from veterans’ benefits to complex federal tax laws.

So, the fight is nowhere near being over.