Same-Sex Marriage

Joana Haxhiu + Bobby MaffeiPAA 601

Same Sex Marriage in the U.S.

4 Major Court Cases:

Baehr v. Lewin (1993) Dugan v. Bureau of Vital Statistics (1998) Baker et al v. State of Vermont (1999) Goodridge v. Department of Public Health (2003)

President Clinton: Defense of Marriage Act (1996)

2008: 28 states have Sexual Orientation Protection

2014: 17 states recognize Same Sex Marriage/16 countries

State Marriage Defense Act (2014): Federal Gov’t must recognize legal Same Sex Marriages

Where it is Legal?

MassachusettsConnecticutIowaVermontNew HampshireDistrict of ColumbiaMaineWashingtonNew YorkMarylandCalifornia

Delaware Rhode IslandMinnesota New Jersey HawaiiNew Mexico Illinois

New York’s PositionOn June 24, 2011 New York became the sixth

state to allow same sex couples to marryThe NY State Legislature passed the Marriage

Equality Act . It was signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

New York does not have any residency requirements for who can be married in the state

In June of 2013, the Supreme Court invalidated the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Federal marriage benefits include:• Taxes • Immigration• Bankruptcy • Social Security benefits

State based marriage rights in NY include:• State tax benefits • Insurance benefits • Health care & family Leave• Inheritance, property ownership & transfer rights• Parental rights

Why is it a Public Policy Issue?Discrimination

- “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”

Opposition to Same Sex MarriageDue to Moral, Political, Religious attitudes

Moral: individual’s personal beliefsPolitical: Right Wing ConservativesReligion: literal interpretation of Bible

Disapproval among:MenAfrican AmericansElderly

Discussion Questions1. Do you view Same-Sex Marriage any

differently than Heterosexual Marriages?

2. What is your stance on Same-Sex Marriage?

3. Should Same-Sex Marriage couples have access to the same health care policies as Heterosexual Marriages?