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Gay unions performed there should be valid throughout the country |
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The impact of Vermont's decision should be restricted to that state |
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Many laws exist which prevent states from recognizing same-sex partnerships  Over 30 states ban same-sex marriage. In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed the "Defense of Marriage Act," which gives states the right not to recognize same-sex unions that were performed in other states. Vermont's civil unions legislation gives same-sex couples all of that state's legal benefits of marriage. The federal government, however, will not allow gay partners to receive any federal spousal benefits in areas like taxes and Social Security. |
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