In effect, couples states where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized cannot be compelled to recognize same-sex marriage from states which do recognize it. I don't see how this would change federal benefits eligibility or express a will of the legislature separate from that of the people. It doesn't change any federal benefits. What I am saying is that they don't want to extend the federal benefits to homosexual couples, which I said in a earlier post, limits economic freedom. And as far as a "a will legislature separate from that of the people", recent polls suggest 50% of the US population think that homosexual should be allowed to marry. As for the other 50% that do not, allowing same sex marriage doesn't hurt anything but their sense of morality. And the feeling of morality is unimportant...?