What Does The Supreme Court Ruling on DOMA Really Mean?

Today the Supreme Court of the U.S. ruled once and for all on the Defense of Marriage Act, and the repercussions were felt in all corners of the country. 

In a nutshell, the SCOTUS ruled that if you live in a state that has approved same-sex marriage, the federal government must recognize that. Before the ruling, same-sex couples married in a state that recognized same-sex marriage were barred from receiving the same federal benefits other married couples receive, according to Huffington Post. While there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, those couples in same sex relationships are the ones who felt they had most vested in the ruling.

In Monroe, Ga. that was the case for Lori and Julie Wood who first entered into a personal marriage relationship in 2010. As Georgia residents, however, that marriage was not legally recognized. 

“Marriage is so much more than ‘just a piece of paper.’” Lori Wood said. “It's a recognition, an acknowledgement that we not a lesser class of citizens, that we are worthy of equal protection and rights and it lets others know that as well. I wish that this decision would put an end to the religious and political maneuvering on this issue, however that is probably not going to be the case. This, for us, has never been an issue of religious rights or an intent to change any biblical definitions or religious belief. This has been about legality and the 1138 rights, privileges and protections that are granted by law to legally married heterosexual couples. We are active Episcopalians and the church accepts and embraces us as we are. When I look at my life, my family and my wife, I know that God has blessed me.”

Julie Wood, an attorney, recognizes the legal implications. The couple got married a second time this year in Seattle, Wash. so that at least in some states the marriage would be recognized.

“We already knew that SCOTUS was going to hand down a ruling on DOMA and Prop 8 and were hopeful that those rulings would be in our favor,” Julie Wood said. “As it turns out, the rulings are helpful to our marriage, but we aren't free of discrimination yet. Based on the repeal of DOMA, the federal government now recognizes our marriage, but as the court did not, and has in fact alluded further to state's rights to define marriage, the state of Georgia (or the other 37 states) still does not recognize our marriage.”

Julie Wood said as a couple they will now be able to file federal income tax returns, but will still have to file state income tax returns separately. 

From an emotional point of view, however, both Julie and Lori Wood say it doesn’t really change anything.

“As we have always considered us married and committed until death us do part since our ceremony in November 2010, it doesn't make us feel more ‘married’ or ‘committed.’" Julie Wood said. “However, it does provide some validation that we are not second class citizens and that our marriage is not less than others or subject to the whims of politicians. It’s a recognition of what we already knew, our marriage is just like everyone else's. We go through the same ups and downs, trials and tribulations and joys. To me, this is a half victory. The federal government cannot discriminate against me and/or us but the state (and others) can. I can honestly say that prior to this ruling, my heart hurt. I cannot understand why people and my country think that they can legally deny our relationship and say that our love is not OK.”

She said while she doesn’t agree with it, she does understand the religious argument, but has yet to hear a valid legal argument to deny their marriage. 

“I was really at the point that if SCOTUS upheld DOMA, I was willing to leave the United States,” Julie Wood said. “I could not imagine continuing to provide my tax revenue to a country that could not provide me with equal protection. In fact, Lori and I have talked about moving to the Netherlands or another country that has same-sex marriage. As of right now, we don't need to resort to that.”

However, moving to another state depending on what happens in Georgia going forward is not out of the question, she said. Their experience in Seattle was one that could have an impact on that decision, for both of them.

“We almost didn't get to the courthouse before it closed to pick up our marriage license,” Lori Wood said. “As we were running through the building in our dresses and 6-inch heels, people were cheering us on. It was such a different atmosphere there because it was no big deal. We were a couple getting married and people were happy for us. Period. Our experience in Seattle was really amazing.”

But for many Georgians, the issue is not that clear cut. In an article on Snellville Patch, the comments showed there is still little consensus on the issue.

“While I've always had mixed feelings about same sex marriage I can't imagine what GLBT's go through being treated as sub standard, different, invalids. I have come to embrace the fact that while I don't like the act, I'm human and will always have a soft spot for anyone being discriminated against. For that reason, I agree that the "Defense of Marriage Act" is unconstitutional and applaud the Supreme Court's ruling.,” one person commented.

“I respect your opinion. However, I disagree with you,” another responded. “I lost a brother to AIDS, so I know first-hand how deleterious the gay lifestyle is. I feel that when we don't follow God's standards, we get ourselves in trouble. Just the opinion of a moderate Democrat.”