steve heydemann.uest: thank you for having me. there is conflicting information. let's look at what he said and get your reaction. [video clip] >> we have always been clear that our non-lethal assistance to the syrian includes equipment and training to build the opacity of civilian activists and to link syrian citizens -- to build the operating capacity of civilian practices and to link syrian citizens -- i can say that much. >> what does that mean in english? >> that was english. [laughter] the syriansaining directly? are we training them through jordanian -- that, again, you our non-lethal assistance to the syrian opposition includes equipment and training. i don't have anything for you on these other issues. it is clear that we are providing the kinds of nonlethal assistance that we have discussed. steve heydemann, help us read between the lines. what was he saying? guest: the u.s. has fixed a very clear boundary around the level of support it is provide -- it is prepared to provide to the syrian o

. >> host: steve heydemann with the u.s. institute of peace thank you for your time. >> guest: thank you. >> let's begin with what doma is what is the defense of marriage act? >> guest: it's interesting we talk about the signing back in 1996 and it tells you how much things have changed. in 1996 the defense of marriage act was a reaction to some of the early state action notably in hawaii toward same-sex marriage. why massachusetts ended up being the first to legalize up of members of congress and people across the nation became concerned about things moving towards allowing same-sex couples to marry. so members of congress passed a law that defines marriage as only between a man and a woman and critical is the provision that says federal benefits can only go to married opposite couples even if you happen to be legally married in massachusetts and new york and in today's supreme court cases you can't get benefits. >> host: what were the constitutional arguments for and against? >> back in 1996 there was a lot of frankly more