U.S. Expands Legal Benefits Services for Same-Sex Marriages

Monday, February 10, 2014 is a day to remember for the gay community! The U.S expanded the legal benefits services for same-sex marriages. They now recognize same-sex marriages in federal legal matters including: prison visits, survivor benefits, and bankruptcies. This federal expansion encompasses 34 states where same-sex marriages are illegal. These states will still be responsible for honoring the new federal benefits for same-sex couples. For example, if you are married in a state that allows same sex marriages, you can then have a bankruptcy proceeding in a state that does not recognize the marriage without the U.S. government challenging it. This is a huge milestone, and the Human Rights Campaign says, “it’s a landmark announcement”, and, “it will change the lives of countless committed gay and lesbians couples for the better”. For more information on the topic, reference this article, http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/08/politics/holder-same-sex-marriage-rights/index.html.