In a landmark ruling today, the Boston First Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional because it denies federal benefits to same-sex married couples.
The full decision can be read here: http://www.glad.org/uploads/docs/cases/gill-v-office-of-personnel-management/2012-may-31-gill-v-opm-first-circuit-ruling.pdf?p1=News_links
The court declared DOMA unconstitutional because it discriminates against same-sex couples by failing to give them the same rights and privileges that heterosexual couples receive and it interferes with a state’s right to define marriage.
The case must reach the U.S. Supreme Court before any ruling can be enforced.