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As more and more New Hampshire communities clearly reject discrimination and instead voice support for marriage equality, our attention turns to how federal discrimination harms married gay and lesbian couples in New Hampshire:
Tonight in Concord, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) will host a workshop about "DOMA and Your Marriage" and outline what federal discrimination means for newly married couples in New Hampshire.
Janson Wu, a staff attorney with GLAD will provide legal information regarding Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and how it affects the marriages of same-sex couples in New Hampshire.
Section 3 of DOMA specifically defines marriage as between one man and one woman for purposes of all federal law, effectively denying all married same-sex couples the federal rights and responsibilities that typically accompany marriage, despite New Hampshire's decision to treat those couples as legally married at the state level. In light of Section 3 of DOMA, many questions and problems arise for New Hampshire's married same-sex couples. How should same-sex married couples file their 2011 federal tax returns in light of DOMA? Can a same-sex married couple access Social Security spousal and survivor benefits? What if one spouse is a federal employee - how does DOMA affect their health benefits and retirement pensions? What if one spouse gets sick - can the other spouse take time off to take care of the sick spouse? What if one spouse is not a citizen - what is the best way to deal with these immigration issues?
Wu will also discuss GLAD's federal court case, Gill v. OPM, challenging Section 3 of DOMA and what a potential victory in that case would mean for New Hampshire residents.
As I mentioned, the first workshop is tonight, followed by a second on the Seacoast. To RSVP or, if you are unable to attend, get notes, email info@granitestateprogress.org. (Workshops are cosponsored by Granite State Progress, PFLAG - New Hampshire, and SEIU 1984's Lavender Caucus.)
Concord
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
6:00 - 7:30 PM
State Employees Association, 207 N. Main Street
Portsmouth
Thursday, May 20, 2010
6:00 - 7:30 PM
South Church, 292 State Street
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