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Podcasts Take Two
DOMA's impact on same-sex couples' access to health care
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Mar 27, 2013
Listen • 6:41
DOMA's impact on same-sex couples' access to health care
Yesterday the Supreme Court heard arguments on Prop 8, and today, the high court will shift its attention to gay rights. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is on the docket today. Kyle Cheney, healthcare reporter for POLITICO, says DOMA is all about health insurance.
Same-sex marriage supporters demonstrate in front of the Supreme Court on March 27, 2013 in Washington, DC. The rights of married same-sex couples will come under scrutiny at the US Supreme Court on Wednesday in the second of two landmark cases being considered by the top judicial panel. After the nine justices mulled arguments on a California law that outlawed gay marriage on Tuesday, they will take up a challenge to the legality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The 1996 law prevents couples who have tied the knot in nine states -- where same-sex marriage is legal -- from enjoying the same federal rights as heterosexual couples.
Same-sex marriage supporters demonstrate in front of the Supreme Court on March 27, 2013 in Washington, DC. The rights of married same-sex couples will come under scrutiny at the US Supreme Court on Wednesday in the second of two landmark cases being considered by the top judicial panel. After the nine justices mulled arguments on a California law that outlawed gay marriage on Tuesday, they will take up a challenge to the legality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The 1996 law prevents couples who have tied the knot in nine states -- where same-sex marriage is legal -- from enjoying the same federal rights as heterosexual couples.
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JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
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Yesterday the Supreme Court heard arguments on Prop 8, and today, the high court will shift its attention to gay rights. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is on the docket today. Kyle Cheney, healthcare reporter for POLITICO, says DOMA is all about health insurance.

Yesterday the Supreme Court heard arguments on Prop 8, and today, the high court will shift its attention to gay rights. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is on the docket today.

RELATED: A guide to the Supreme Court arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act (Audio)

It was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996 and bars legally-married same-sex couples from receiving tax benefits. It also prevents gays and lesbians from sponsoring their spouses for green cards.

Above all though, Kyle Cheney, healthcare reporter for POLITICO, says DOMA is all about health insurance.