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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 8 page paper comments on the changing structure of the American family. The writer then explains and discusses H.R.3396, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) enacted in 1996 and the subsequent actions of state legislatures. The essay also provides some background on what spurred Congress to adopt this law. A general discussion of the impact of DOMA is provided, including comments from some authors who believe the Act will be declared unconstitutional in time. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Page Count:
8 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MM12_PGdoma.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
of individuals, and range from simple structures . . . to intricately complex, multigenerational combinations" (Editors, 2001). The document goes on to acknowledge that as a society changes and evolves,
family structures also change (Editors, 2001). The traditional structure of the family as intact with father, mother and children may still be prevalent but with significant changes (Editors, 2001). One
major difference is the number of mothers in the work force (Editors, 2001). There are more single-parent families, blended families, grandparents raising grandchildren, and a multitude of other family
configurations (Editors, 2001). Besharov (2001) commented: "the American family is in the throes of what you could call seismic change." Some view the changes as signaling "catastrophe and social breakdown"
(Besharov, 2001), others perceive the changes as licentiousness while Besharov (2001) himself views the changes as "a more progressive and evolutionary process." What this document on The American Family
does not include is data or discussion about same-sex families, which seems like a glaring omission. Yet, it fits considering the Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed by the
U.S. Congress in 1996. This bill was introduced as H.R.3396 and titled To define and protect the institution of marriage (THOMAS, 1996). Upon adoption, it became Public Law No: 104-199
(THOMAS, 1996). The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has two major purposes: it basically says that no state must honor a same-sex marriage that is performed in another state where
same-sex marriage is legal and "it defines the words "marriage" and "spouse" for purposes of Federal law" (The Lectric Law Library, 1996). The Act utilizes the power of Congress under
Article IV, section 1 of the Constitution, which is the Full Faith and Credit Clause (The Lectric Law Library, 1996). Under this Effect clause, Congress gave autonomy to each state
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