New York appeals court strikes down DOMA October 18, 2012 -- Updated 1657 GMT (0057 HKT) A federal appeals court in New York on Thursday became the nation's second to deem the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. The Clinton-era law was passed in 1996 and bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages The issue is expected to be eventually decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Maryland, Washington, Maine and Minnesota are voting on the issue in November referendums. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and DC allow it New York (CNN) -- A federal appeals court in New York on Thursday became the nation's second to deem the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. The divisive Clinton-era law was passed in 1996 and bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages and says states cannot be forced to recognize such marriages from other states. Read the ruling (.PDF) The court determined that the federal law violates the Constitution's equal protection clause. A federal appeals court in Boston made a similar ruling in May, but the moves are considered largely symbolic as the issue is expected to be eventually decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Man tells senators: Defense of Marriage Act cost me my home In February, the Obama administration ordered the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the law. Polls: Majority favor same-sex marriage in Maryland When football, same-sex marriage and politics collide CNN's Mark Norman contributed to this report