U.S. Supreme Court to review same-sex marriage cases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Supreme Court announced on Friday it has agreed to review same-sex marriage cases for the first time.

The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA, the federal law defining marriage as solely an opposite-sex union. The high court will also review a lawsuit challenging California's ban on same-sex marriage.

No doubt the historic ruling on the cases will be an eye- catcher and could be a tipping point for the country where same- sex marriage remains a divisive issue. Justices could also seize the chance to rule on whether Americans have a constitutional right for same-sex marriage.

The high court could disclose its decision until next summer, close to the end of its term.

Same-sex marriage has been banned in 31 of 50 U.S. states and legalized in nine others and the District of Columbia. Many same- sex couples still could not qualify for federal benefits.

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