Real People, Real Stories, Real Issues: In a new article at HuffPost, our legislative director Allison Herwitt draws upon the experience of a gay couple, Robert and Ryan, who were featured in an AP article after they lost benefits when they moved from New Jersey to Idaho. As one who works closely with Members of congress and their staffs to lobby for the equal treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in our federal laws, Allison (pictured below) points out the necessity of passing HRC’s "Family Matters" legislative agenda. "Family Matters" responds to the reality that conflicting state laws and the divisive Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) means that same-sex couples can have their relationships – and their rights – literally voided overnight when they move between states:
Robert and Ralph’s situation perfectly illustrates how access to our basic rights can be affected by geography. Unfortunately, this story is not unique. Across the country, millions of same-sex couples face significant financial burdens and legal hurdles in building a secure future for their families. As a result of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), these couples are denied, according to a 2004 report prepared by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), (a pdf of the report can be found here) more than 1,138 federal benefits and protections available to married couples. Furthermore, as Robert and Ralph discovered, states have their own complex and often contradictory sets of laws in this area. This can mean that those in same-sex relationships can’t take time off to care for a loved one without risking their job, they can’t provide survivor benefits to their partner or children despite paying into Social Security for a lifetime, they can’t get equal pay for equal contribution as a federal employee or veteran, and they can’t include their spouse or children on their employer-based health plan without facing significant tax penalties.[...]
On April 15th, same-sex couples across America will pay their state and federal taxes–as will millions of heterosexual married couples. Passing the provisions of "Family Matters" will be a very positive step toward ensuring equal rights, and equal compensation for equal contributions. Quite simply, "Family Matters" would offer all Americans the unfettered opportunity to spend a life doing meaningful work and accumulating assets to reach a point of financial independence–regardless of where they live.
The Human Rights Campaign's perspective on the news, issues and events affecting the every day lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country.
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