From Massachusetts to California to Your State: Achieving Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships

Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA") defines marriage as between a man and a woman for purposes of the entire U.S. Code, effectively precluding same-sex couples from qualifying for the more than 1,100 federal rights, benefits and responsibilities that come with marriage. Now with same-sex couples marrying in Massachusetts and California, the broad impact of federal discrimination against same-sex couples is finally being felt. What are possible litigation strategies for dismantling this discriminatory law? What work is being done now to prepare to challenge Section 3, and what can you do to help in that effort?

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Materials:

Joint Statement of LGBT Organizations: Make Change, Not Lawsuits (PDF)

HHS Medicaid DOMA Letter (PDF)
Massachusetts Medicaid Bill Number 4107 (PDF)
Medicaid Equality Fact Sheet (DOC)
Section 3 DOMA Cases (DOC)
The Effect of State-Legalized Same-Sex Marriage on Social Security Benefits and Pension (PDF)
The Potential Budgetary Impact of Recognizing Same-Sex Marriages (PDF)
US Bankruptcy Court: Kandu (PDF)
US Court of Appeals: SMELT, Orange County (PDF)
US Supreme Court Support for State Sovereignty Over Family Law (DOC)
Veteran Cemetery Letter (PDF)
Wilson v Ake (PDF)
With Marriage, Gay Couples Face Tax Angles (DOC)

NR31-08 Order and News Release RE Denial of Rehearing and Stay (PDF)
S147999 California Supreme Court Marriage Decision (PDF)
Williams Institute: The Impact of Extending Marriage to Same-Sex Couples in California (PDF)
Williams Institute: The Impact on Iowa's Budget of Allowing Same Sex Couples to Marry (PDF)
Williams Institute: The Impact on Oregon's Budget of Introducing Same Sex Domestic Partnership (PDF)

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit:

The above online course has been accredited in the following jurisdictions:

AK (1.5 credits)	GA (1.5 credits)	KY (1.5 credits)	OK (1.8 credits)	UT (1.5 credits)
AZ (1.5 credits)	ID (1.5 credits)	MN (1.5 credits)	OR (1.5 credits)	VT (1.5 credits)
AR (1.5 credits)	IL (1.5 credits)	MT (1.5 credits)	RI (1.8 credits)	WA (1.5 credits)
CA (1.5 credits)	IN (1.5 credits)	NV (1.5 credits)	SC (1.5 credits)	WV (1.8 credits)
CO (1.8 credits)	IA (1.5 credits)	NY (1.8 credits)	TN (1.5 credits)	WY (1.5 credits)
FL (1.8 credits)	KS (1.8 credits)	NC (1.5 credits)	TX (1.5 credits)

After viewing the video and jotting down the unique verification codes that appear sporadically throughout the video, you may apply for continuing legal education (CLE) credit by clicking on the appropriate state. The cost to receive a certificate of completion is $175 per course.

You will receive an email receipt of your purchase. Once the codes have been verified, LGBT Bar staff will email you a separate certificate of completion for the course you selected. Please allow 2-3 business days for the certificate to arrive.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.