level. The Federal government must now treat Gay married couples the same as Heterosexual married couples
in respect to all Federal laws, programs, benefits etc.

This was posted by dsc on the General Discussion forum. Link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023110479

The ACLU was, unusually for them, sloppy in its writing here

Part of DOMA has been struck down not the whole thing. Part 3 was struck down meaning that the federal government will now recognize same sex marriages that were performed in a state where they were recognized and whose couples are still living in a state in which they are recognized. But part 2, which permits states to not recognize the same sex marriages performed in other states lives on. Thus the numerous friends of mine who got married legally in other places are being treated no differently today than they were yesterday. To gain benefit from this decision they have to move to a state that legally recognizes their marriage.

It's like being tossed into a blender of legalese. My brain has turned to mush trying to sort out where we stand and what to do next as we plan for our future.

I sympathize with your confusion.

The next round of fights for marriage equality will be about. At the moment, situations like yours are kinda a legal limbo. The court said the Federal Government had to treat legal same sex marriages the same way it does any other legal marriage. In the states where it's already legal, it's clear. But what about, for example, a couple that is legally married in California and is transferred to a state that doesn't recognize their marriage? What, they're unmarried? Married federally but not on the State level? It will probably take couples in this situation taking their cases to court to ask/force their new state to recognize their marriage. The recent rulings were great, and they definitely lay the groundwork for marriage equality to go nation wide. But for that to happen it'll be a state by state fight until/unless the Supreme Court clarifies.

Basically, it's TBD

Editing to add: Sorry my post doesn't have much practical answers on the "What do we do now?" Or "What does this mean for us right now?" front.

I suggest that he sign an Executive Order forthwith that instructs ALL agencies under the Executive that for purposes of all federal programs they recognize all marriages no matter what state the couple resides.

The loopholes regarding federal programs need to be closed immediately. This is just nuts.

Living in FL which is not gay friendly as far as the state gov goes. My wife and I got together in Sept 1991 and on May 8, 1993 we had our notary public draw up a "partnership" for us. That was the day we first said our vows to each other. In April we headed up to Ottawa, Ontario where we legally got married on May 8th. Been together, as you and your partner, longer than many str8 marriages - 22 wonderful years. Both families recognize our marriage. In fact my sister offered us to spend our honeymoon at her farm in upstate NY, where I am originally from. The whole experience was beautiful until we drove back to FL. Although we are completely out, our legal rights are nil. We work for the same city government and have to pay more for our individual health insurance. Just recently we had our wills updated which is an expense we had to save for. Barely keeping our heads above water financially, we (as you) sadly don't share the same benefits that str8 married couple do. Being in our 60's, it's not just confusing, it's down-right scary.