THE MESSAGE
The Approach of Tax Day Reminds Us Why Marriage Matters
As the struggle to end marriage discrimination advances, a few states have created civil unions and domestic partnerships to give some benefits of marriage to same-sex couples.
These new legal terms-no substitute for the universal system and full equality of marriage-cause a lot of confusion during tax time.
- New legal statuses such as civil unions or domestic partnerships are not honored by the federal government therefore same-sex couples still do not get any of the 1,138 federal protections, rights, and responsibilities that come only with marriage, including filing taxes jointly with the IRS.
The Report What's The Difference?: Marriage Versus Civil
Unions |
The Resource
Same-Sex Couples Pay More, But Get Less at Tax Time
|
The Number
2 to 1, the number of votes by which a marriage equality bill passed in the Connecticut House Judiciary Committee and a civil unions bill passed in the New Hampshire House. |
The Map Relationship
Recognition in the U.S.
(HRC) |
THE SPOTLIGHT: Illinois
Equality Illinois
In Illinois this year, both a marriage equality bill and a civil unions bill were introduced for the first time in the Illinois Legislature. Dispelling fears about introducing both bills at the same time, the marriage bill both set the frame and the goal for marriage equality and helped catapult the civil unions bill out of Committee. The civil unions bill now awaits a vote in the House.
Rick Garcia of Equality Illinois promoted the introduction of both bills and said, "It wasn't an either/or, it was a both/and. The people of Illinois deserve to be treated fairly and equally with marriage, but civil unions can be a step in the right direction." This coming Wednesday, Equality Illinois will host a civil union lobby day at the Illinois state capitol in Springfield.
THE NEWS
For the latest news, opinions, and polls, including these articles, check out our website.
National
A Stepping Stone to MarriageNational Public Radio; April 12, 2007
"We actually have seen a record number of states this year in which bills were introduced to end gay couples' exclusion from marriage," says Evan Wolfson.
Federal Tax Law Hits Same-Sex Couples and their
Families Harder
365Gay.com; April 9, 2007
Gay and lesbian families pay higher federal income tax than their opposite-sex married counterparts.
Regional
2 Months After New Jersey's Civil Union Law, Problems Finding True EqualityNew York Times; April 13, 2007
New Jersey same-sex couples who have entered into civil unions are encountering problems receiving the basic benefits that married couples enjoy.
Marriage Equality Moves a Step Closer
Stamford Advocate; April 13, 2007
Connecticut's state Judiciary Committee voted 27-15 in favor of marriage equality; the bill now moves to the House and
Senate and it is said to have "a solid chance of passing."
