stupid question time - re: federal marriage amendment

[dddem]

I live in Massachusetts where gay marriage is currently legal. In the event that a federal marriage amendment occurs, essentially dissolving any currently legal arrangement between same-sex couples, what happens to them? And more importantly, what happens to any legal transactions that occurred while the union was sanctioned? More specifically, I was curious about couples who filed their taxes as married, filing jointly. What happens when something that was legal is not legal anymore.
Even though I am aware that this whole thing is merely a distraction, it still bothers me that so many people will be hurt by this. Funny thing is, most of the gay people I know aren't even particularly political. They just want to live in peace, as we all do. This administration really sucks.
Sorry for the rant - I think I'm better now.
Peace.

[newscott]

1. The marriage amendment sounds like a non starter to me.

This would end up in the Supreme Court for sure and take years or decades to be resolved.

[dsc]

2. Some answers

First, as pointed out in the first response this won't pass but assume it did or MA changed its Constitution.

The couples weren't allowed to file jointly at the federal level. The feds never recognized them as married due to DOMA (the law which stated that the feds wouldn't recognize same sex marriages and specificly letting states refuse as well). As to the rest, presumedly the marriages would disolve or become civil unions if the MA amendment passed. Barring a retroactive clause any marriage decisions would be legal.

[dddem]

3. thanks.

I guess I can loosen the tin-foil hat a little. For some stupid reason, it occurred to me last night that it could all be a set-up, like get the IRS involved, charge a bunch of people with tax fraud, and fill up those brand-spankin' new detention centers that halliburton is building. Why oh why did I ever read 'The Handmaid's Tale'?
This administration scares me. I don't like them. Make them go away.