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New York gay marriage bill: What would happen if it passes?

New York legislators could vote as early as Wednesday to legalize gay marriage in the state. New York would become the sixth state to permit gay marriage. Here’s a list six things that would – and wouldn’t – happen should the bill pass.

5. Wouldn't happen: Federal benefits

Saul Loeb/AFP/Newscom/File
US Attorney General Eric Holder, seen here in an Aug. 5, 2010 file photo, has said President Obama has concluded the Defense of Marriage Act is 'unconstitutional.'

  • By Patrick Wall Contributor

The 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) bars the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, regardless of what states decide. As a result, same-sex spouses can’t receive Social Security survivor payments, insurance coverage under a spouse’s federal employee plan, or any other federal benefits that flow to married couples.

DOMA is currently facing a court challenge, and the Obama administration has said it will no longer defend the statute. Republicans in Congress have taken up the defense of DOMA through a private law firm.

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