U.S. Supreme Court decision allows benefits for same-sex couples

The United States Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that a 1996 law that denies federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples is unconstitutional.

That paves the way for married same-sex couples to receive retirement, health and tax benefits that are generally only available to heterosexual couples.

Twelve states and the District of Washington currently permit same-sex marriages.

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex couples to marry.