SDSU adds grad certificate in LGBT studies

SAN DIEGO — San Diego State University today announced the addition of a graduate-level certificate in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies, one of only a handful of like programs in the nation. “Diversity is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education and this program provides an opportunity for graduate students to gain a deeper understanding…

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Louisiana National Guard announces it will process same-sex benefits

All members of the Louisiana National Guard will now be able to apply for benefits at any Guard installation, including troops who are legally married to same-sex partners in other states. Equality Louisiana Research and Policy Coordinator, Matthew Patterson said about the new development, “This is a great day for married National Guard members in…

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Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act introduced in U.S. House and Senate

WASHINGTON – While the Supreme Court’s decision striking down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act and guidance from the Office of Personnel Management have made clear that federal workers’ same-sex spouses are now eligible for benefits, there are still federal employees who cannot access marriage and thus continue to be denied critical health,…

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New guidance issued by US Labor Department on same-sex marriages and employee benefit plans

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…

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San Diego based VA Home Loan Centers becomes first military mortgage provider to offer financing to same-sex married couples

SAN DIEGO —The Department of Veterans Affairs was among the last of the federal government organizations to extend benefits to same-sex couples, but now gay spouses are eligible to receive VA-back home loans, in states where their marriages are legally recognized. The VA Home Loan Centers, which operates as a privately held government loan specialist…

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‘Mayors for the Freedom to Marry’ adds five new co-chairs, sets 50-state goal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Freedom to Marry have announced the addition of mayors from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Antonio as new co-chairs of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry and set a goal of reaching 500 mayors representing all 50 states. The program, launched in January 2012 with 80 mayors, now has more than…

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Stop on same-sex marriage licenses in PA highlights tax mess for legally married same-sex couples

NEW YORK CITY — Last Thursday’s court action halting the granting of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Montgomery County, PA, underscores a complex and potentially expensive tax scenario for legally married same-sex couples in states where same-sex marriage is not recognized, according to David H. Glusman, CPA, partner-in-charge of the Philadelphia office of Marcum LLP and…

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