Labor Unions Join States In ‘DOMA’ Constitutionality Fight

http://nhlabornews.com/2013/03/labor-unions-join-states-in-doma-constitutionality-fight/

By Matt Murray | March 2, 2013 | Legislation, Union

As expected the State of New Hampshire has jumped into the fight to find the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. DOMA is Congresses response to state allowing ‘gay marriage’. New Hampshire and many other states have already passed laws giving the same-sex couples the same rights as any other married couple.

To ensure that New Hampshire’s citizens and all Americans are treated equally under the law, Governor Maggie Hassan and Attorney General Mike Delaney announced today that New Hampshire has joined more than a dozen other states in two amicus briefs to the United States Supreme Court defending the right to civil marriage for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation.



“Throughout our history, every time we have sought to include all people in the life of our democracy, we have grown stronger,” Governor Hassan said. “I’m proud that New Hampshire has led the way in ensuring marriage equality for all of our citizens, because encouraging strong marriages for loving couples strengthens families and communities. We are urging the Supreme Court to strike down these discriminatory measures because all New Hampshire married couples should receive fair and equal treatment from the federal government.”

Although New Hampshire legally recognizes their marriages, same-sex couples continue to be discriminated against by the federal government. For example, same-sex spouses on a family health plan have to pay taxes on the coverage, while other married couples do not. Same sex couples cannot file their taxes jointly. Nor can they collect survivor benefits.

“First and foremost, this is a fairness and civil rights issue, but it is also an economic issue for our state, our businesses and our families,” Governor Hassan said.

FULL story at link.

About Matt Murray
Matt Murray is the creator and an author on the NH Labor News. He is a union member and advocate for labor. He also works with other unions and members to help spread our message.