On this day in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act passed the United States Congress (a vote of 342-67 in the House of Representatives and a vote of 85-14 in the Senate). The law prohibited federal recognition of same-sex marriage, while allowing states to adopt any marital definition of their choosing.
On this day in 1999, Chi-Chi earthquake occurred in central Taiwan, leaving about 2,400 people dead.
On this day in 2001, America: A Tribute to Heroes was broadcast by over 35 network and cable channels, raising over $200 million for the victims of the September 11 attacks.
On this day in 2013, al-Shabaab Islamic militants attacked the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, killing at least 67 people.