The Justice Department has not yet announced whether it will appeal these decisions. Because these cases are just at the trial court level, the government has an automatic right of appeal, but such a decision is likely to be politically unpopular. By appealing the case, the Obama administration would be choosing to argue that DOMA should stand, a stance that many long-term supporters are likely to find disappointing.

That said, in many ways it is in our collective best interest for the government to appeal. Without an appeal, the case only applies in Massachusetts. For better or for worse (ha!), the case will only have significant effects if an appellate court has the chance to consider the matter.