Defense of Marriage Act Likely Heading For A Showdown At the U.S. Supreme Court

10.19.12 | Sarah Harnisch

The Defense of Marriage Act was found unconstitutional Thursday by a 3-judge panel in New York City. The law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman only.  It also says states are not required to recognize same-sex marriages.  The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan found the law violates the right to equal protection outlined in the Constitution.  It's the second court to do so.  The Act is expected to come up for debate during the current term of the U.S. Supreme court, along with California's Proposition 8. Pundits say that means you can expect to see them before the session ends in June of 2013.