Couples' Rights

What kind of protections do same-sex couples want?

All Americans in committed relationships want the same chance as everyone else to take care of the ones they love by being able to visit them in the hospital, leaving their social security to the remaining partner if they die, or knowing their children will be taken care of by the other parent if one of them passes away.

Do same-sex couples in committed relationships need legal protections?

Yes. Their estates can be at risk for not being carried out according to their wishes if they pass away. Their children are denied rights and benefits. In fact, there are more than 1,100 rights that are denied to same-sex couples who cannot marry. Loving, committed lesbian and gay couples have taken on the responsibilities of marriage, yet they are denied the hundreds of legal protections that marriage offers.

Examples of the 1,100 federal benefits and protections available to married couples:

• Gay and lesbian couples can't take time off to care for a loved one without risk of losing their job,
• Gay and lesbian couples can't provide Survivor Benefits to their partner or children despite paying into Social Security for a lifetime
• Gay and lesbian couples can't get equal pay for equal contribution as a federal employee or veteran
• Gay and lesbian couples can't include their spouse or children on their employer-based health plan without facing significant tax penalties.