[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by janmcn

Each state will decide whether to allow same-sex marriage. So far 13 states plus DC have made the decision to allow it, some by court order and some by ballot initiative. The repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act by the Supreme Court will only apply to the states which allow same-sex marriages.

The plaintiff in this court case, 84 year-old Edie Windsor, a resident of NY will save over $360,000 in estate taxes because NY recognizes her marriage to her partner of 46 years. When her partner died, Edie received a bill from the IRS for $363,000.

If Edie lived across the river in NJ or here in Florida, she would have to pay that estate tax. This is just one example of the unfairness to same-sex couples that DOMA created.

This decision by the Supreme Court was based entirely on the law and not on any religious beliefs, which is why this country has a very strict separation of church and state.

NOW that, Jan, is a very reasonable argument. And stated without rancor and clearly written.

Well done.