As part of the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing efforts to implement inclusive policies that reflect the diversity of American families, and consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in United States v. Windsor, the Department announced today new guidance on the use of “marriage”…
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced new guidance interpreting the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor. In a technical release, the department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration provides guidance to plans, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, participants and beneficiaries on the decision’s impact on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The release states…
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania General Counsel James D. Schultz issued the following statement today surrounding the same-sex marriage case as reported earlier on LGBTweekly.com. “We are deeply disturbed and disappointed by recent coverage of the same-sex marriage case which misrepresents the commonwealth’s position in this matter. “This case is a clear matter of law: Does a public official…
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a ruling that will ensure all legally-married same-sex couples, regardless of where they live, will be recognized for federal tax purposes. Recently the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which…
The first same-sex marriages have taken place in New Zealand following the successful passage of equal marriage legislation. According to the BBC, 31 couples were marrying today and about 1,000 same-sex couples in Australia planned to travel to the neighboring country to marry. Among the first couples tying the knot were Auckland couple Tash Vitali…
WASHINGTON — Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Social Security and Medicare benefits may soon be available to same-sex couples in the District of Columbia and the 13 states recognizing same-sex marriage. June 26, in United States v. Windsor, the Supreme Court ruled Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional, finding…
WASHINGTON – The fight against gays and lesbians in the military and against same-sex marriage continues apace for two Republican senators. Last Tuesday Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) introduced the Military Religious Freedom Act. The bill is intended to prevent military chaplains from being forced to perform a marriage ceremony, if the…
The Scottish government will take steps to legalize same sex marriage in the country following an announcement released Wednesday. The freedom to marry, regardless of sexual orientation, is a larger part of Scottish legislation that, when passed, will allow for freedom of speech and religion clauses as well. Those who wish to marry, including gay…
Last week, Janet Napolitano on behalf of U.S. Homeland Security announced high-priority deportation cases will supersede immigration cases which are less-pressing, such as those within a same-sex relationship or within LGBT families. Now, binational couple Alex Benshimol and Doug Gentry will remain safely in the United States after Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced the closure…
