Video: 'The Defense of Marriage Act of 1996'

(Saturday, September 21, 1996, 12:50 a.m. EDT) — U.S. President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) early this morning, denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages a day after saying the law should not be used as an excuse for discrimination, violence or intimidation against gays and lesbians.

Video: 'Gay Marriage Debate: Bill Clinton Regrets Signing Defense of Marriage Act | The New York Times'

Although never formally repealed, DOMA was effectively overturned by U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 2013 and 2015.