PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 104-533.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 8, 1996
Defense of Marriage Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that no State, territory, or possession of the United States or Indian tribe shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other such jurisdiction or to any right or claim arising from such relationship. Establishes a Federal definition of: (1) "marriage" as only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife; and (2) "spouse" as only a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife.
People & committees
Sen. Nickles, Don [R-OK] · R–OK
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 104-533.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4869-4871)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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