12 Things Repealing DOMA Would Change

1. Nearly 9 million LGBT Americans could one day have federally-recognized marriages.

Not all states allow gay marriage, and repealing the Defense of Marriage Act won't change that. But couples who marry in those states that do would have their marriages recognized by the federal government if DOMA were struck down.

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

2. That includes about 110,000 couples raising children.

Above, Jo-ann Shain (right) and Mary Jo Kennedy (second from right) with Shain's daughter, Aliya Shain, 24, and her girlfriend, all outside the Supreme Court.

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

3. About 112,770 already married same-sex couples could have their marriages recognized by the federal government.

In the states that do allow same-sex marriages, couples still don't have all the protections of federally recognized marriage. If DOMA is repealed, that would change.

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

4. Half of those would receive better Social Security benefits in the event of one partner's death.

Under DOMA, same-sex marriages aren't recognized for the purpose of Social Security. If they were, half of married LGBT Americans would get higher benefits if one partner dies than they currently do.

Image by Beck Diefenbach / Reuters

5. And 30% would get better Social Security retirement benefits.

Compared to what they now get filing separately.

Image by Mark Wilson / Getty Images

6. Same-sex married couples' spousal health benefits would no longer be taxed.

Under DOMA, these have to be reported as taxable income.

Image by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

7. This would save at least 71 private companies money.

At least that number currently make up the tax difference as an added benefit to their LGBT employees. They wouldn't have to if DOMA were repealed.

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

8. 5,600 LGBT active-duty servicemembers, 3,400 National Guard and Reserve members, and 8,000 military retirees could receive medical benefits.

These benefits are denied under DOMA.

Image by Gregory Bull, File / AP

9. 36,000 couples where one partner is a non-citizen could petition for immigration benefits for that partner.

DOMA bars same-sex couples, like Brian Andersen, left and Anton Tanumihardja, from doing so.

Image by Curtis Tate/MCT

10. About half of those couples have children.

Image by David McNew / Getty Images

11. 200,000 LGBT federal employees could get access health insurance for their partners.

DOMA bars them from getting this benefit.

Image by Beck Diefenbach / Reuters

12. And over 1,000 other laws involving marriage could change to include LGBT couples.

In 2004, the US General Accounting Office identified 1,138 federal statutes "in which marital status is a factor in determining or receiving benefits, rights, and privileges." Repealing DOMA would potentially make those benefits, rights, and privileges available to LGBT Americans.

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

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