Three Jewish groups welcomed a U.S. court’s decision declaring as unconstitutional the Defense of Marriage Act, which restricts the definition of marriage to that between a man and a woman.

The 2nd U.S. Court of Appeals in New York handed down its decision on Oct. 18. The act was passed in 1996 by both houses of Congress by large majorities.

“This decision reaffirms that the principle of equal treatment means that same-sex couples are entitled to all of the federal rights, protections and benefits of civil marriage,” the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

The Reform movement in its statement noted that several of its constituent bodies had joined the ADL in a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the claim of Edith Windsor, who sued the government for forcing her to pay estate taxes after her wife died, even though spouses are exempt under the law from such taxes.

“We oppose DoMA because of our unequivocal support for equal rights for all people, including the right to a civil marriage license, reflecting our understanding that the stamp of the Divine is present in each and every human being,” the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center said in a statement.

Also praising the court was the National Council for Jewish Women, which had opposed passage of the law.

Opponents of gay marriage rights have suggested that they will take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Forward is free to read, but it isn’t free to produce

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism you rely on. Make a gift today!

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$90 $180

$360

Other amount