Although we have seen progressive changes in the area of
gay marriage rights such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in
the United States military, same-sex couples still face discrimination
in the workforce and in their daily lives.
Thanks to section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act,
same-sex couples are not recognized in all states of America. Same-sex
couples are denied basic privileges that those who can get married take
advantage of: filing taxes jointly, insurance benefits for spouses and
children, Social Security survivors’ benefits, estate benefits,
immigration and federal employment benefits, and more – over one
thousand laws are contingent upon marriage status. Currently, on a
federal level, same-sex couples are not allowed these benefits.
Same-sex couples can get a civil union, but these are
only recognized in the state which it is honored, not nationally. Also,
people in civil unions do not get the same benefits as married couples.
Even if the state allows gay couples to marry either as a marriage,
domestic partnership, or civil union, they are still not recognized on a
national level due to federal law.
Supporters of gay marriage fight for the repeal of this act since it is so unfair.
Can you imagine not being able to see your wife or husband in the
operating room or be able to qualify for Social Security benefits after
dealing with his or her unfortunate death? Same-sex couples deal with
this reality everyday and it is time to extend benefits to same-sex
couples.
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