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Federal DOMA Law Stops Homosexuals from Using Mass Marriage in Florida
       In Provincetown, on July 2, 2004 gay activists Nancy Wilson and Paula Schoenwether, who live in Tampa, were "married".   Within 3 weeks, they had launched a lawsuit to force Florida to recognize their marriage.  Yesterday a Federal judge threw out their case, citing the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) passed in 1996. 
       The basis of the fight was the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which decriminalized homosexual behavior.  The case brought by  the Florida couple would have done more than just force recognition of their Massachusetts nuptials — but to create a 'fundamental right' to same-sex marriage.
       As early has July 26, 2004, homosexual activist groups were already considering this case a long shot.   The Human Rights Campaign cited Andrew Koppelman, a professor of law and political science at Northwestern University in Chicago who said that the suit "does not have a leg to stand on."   "I am a defender of same-sex marriage," he said. "I have every reason to want this couple to win. But this particular case sounds like a sure loser."
            This was the first lawsuit to challenge the Defense of Marriage Act, signed by Bill Clinton back in 1996.
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