LGBT Advocacy Groups Issue Guide after Historic Marriage Ruling

“There is much to celebrate with this affirmation of the dignity, liberty and equality of same-sex couples, and undoubtedly there will also be some questions.”

(New York, June 26, 2015)—In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision striking down discriminatory state bans on marriage for same-sex couples, six LGBT advocacy organizations launched a joint website http://MarriageEqualityFacts.org to provide answers to same-sex couples and their families as they navigate accessing the rights, benefits, and protections that marriage affords.

Created by American Civil Liberties Union, Freedom to Marry, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights,  MarriageEqualityFacts.org addresses a wide range of issues and questions same-sex couples may have concerning both getting married and having their marriages recognized and respected. The guide includes information on seven topics: Marriage Licenses and Wedding Planning; Parent-Child Relationships; Social Security; Veteran’s Benefits; Retirement Benefits; Income Taxes; and Employment Protections.

“With this transformative ruling, the Supreme Court has settled once and for all that same-sex couples have the freedom to marry and to have their marriages recognized and respected throughout the country,” said Susan Sommer, Director of Constitutional Litigation at Lambda Legal. “Now come the questions as to what this means on the ground. How can same-sex couples access these rights? What does this mean for the couples and for their children? What about spousal benefits, taxes and protections in the workplace? There is much to celebrate with this affirmation of the dignity, liberty and equality of same-sex couples, and undoubtedly there will also be some questions.”

The http://MarriageEqualityFacts.org website is intended to provide general information regarding major areas of marriage-based protections. Before deciding whether, when and where to marry, same-sex couples may want to consult an attorney for individualized legal advice. It is also important to remember that the particular rights and obligations of marriage can vary from state to state.