It means equal rights for citizens in same sex relationships, ethnic minorities and those of all creeds and none.

BBC: Gerry Adams

The data are inescapable: 62% of all Republicans believe in either same-sex marriage or another form of legal recognition of same-sex relationships and 73% of Republicans support employment nondiscrimination protections for gays and lesbians.

CNN: Slowly, GOP shifting on same-sex marriage

"But for DOMA, married individuals in same-sex relationships in the commonwealth would receive the same status, obligations, responsibilities, rights, and protections as married individuals in different-sex relationships under local, state, and federal laws, " the lawsuit said.

CNN: Massachusetts sues federal government over marriage law