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In reply to the discussion: Firms Tell Gay Couples: Wed or Lose Your Benefits [View all]Behind the Aegis
(56,114 posts)54. Also adding this for you to read...
Anti-LGBT Bills Introduced in 28 States
The wave of anti-LGBT bills filed across the country continues to swell. As of today, lawmakers have introduced more than 85 anti-LGBT bills in 28 state legislatures.
Some state legislative sessions have already drawn to a close, but other state legislatures will be in session for several more weeks or even months. So far this year 34 anti-LGBT bills in nine states have been defeated or failed to meet key legislative deadlines, but two have passed -- one in Arkansas and one in Indiana.
Among the recently introduced anti-LGBT legislation is a pair of bills in Nevada that would allow individuals and businesses to use religion to challenge or opt out of laws, including laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Similar legislation was also recently introduced in Montana and is still pending in Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Texas and elsewhere.
Bills that would allow adoption agencies to use religion to discriminate against eligible parents and guardians have been newly introduced in Alabama and Florida. These new bills are similar to a series of bills moving through the Michigan legislature.
Even in states with long traditions of support for equality, anti-equality lawmakers are introducing anti-LGBT bills. Massachusetts, for example, is the latest state with a bill that would criminalize transgender people for using appropriate restrooms. Anti-transgender "bathroom surveillance" bills have are now pending in Florida, Texas and a handful of other states.
Collectively, this rising storm of anti-LGBT legislation underlines an increased effort to deprive LGBT Americans and other minority groups of basic protections. Across the country, HRC is joining state-based LGBT equality organizations and other allies to stanch the tide.
Learn more about the current landscape of anti-LGBT legislation here. (the website links to a .pdf file which is not linking correctly at DU.)

Note the 'state' of my state, Oklahoma!!!
The wave of anti-LGBT bills filed across the country continues to swell. As of today, lawmakers have introduced more than 85 anti-LGBT bills in 28 state legislatures.
Some state legislative sessions have already drawn to a close, but other state legislatures will be in session for several more weeks or even months. So far this year 34 anti-LGBT bills in nine states have been defeated or failed to meet key legislative deadlines, but two have passed -- one in Arkansas and one in Indiana.
Among the recently introduced anti-LGBT legislation is a pair of bills in Nevada that would allow individuals and businesses to use religion to challenge or opt out of laws, including laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Similar legislation was also recently introduced in Montana and is still pending in Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Texas and elsewhere.
Bills that would allow adoption agencies to use religion to discriminate against eligible parents and guardians have been newly introduced in Alabama and Florida. These new bills are similar to a series of bills moving through the Michigan legislature.
Even in states with long traditions of support for equality, anti-equality lawmakers are introducing anti-LGBT bills. Massachusetts, for example, is the latest state with a bill that would criminalize transgender people for using appropriate restrooms. Anti-transgender "bathroom surveillance" bills have are now pending in Florida, Texas and a handful of other states.
Collectively, this rising storm of anti-LGBT legislation underlines an increased effort to deprive LGBT Americans and other minority groups of basic protections. Across the country, HRC is joining state-based LGBT equality organizations and other allies to stanch the tide.
Learn more about the current landscape of anti-LGBT legislation here. (the website links to a .pdf file which is not linking correctly at DU.)

Note the 'state' of my state, Oklahoma!!!
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Yes, that is the exact implication. No benefits for a non-married partner, regardless of gender.
tritsofme
May 2015
#3
Some don't even need that, as some places will recognize "common law" marriage.
Behind the Aegis
May 2015
#19
Couples who weren't married wouldn't be entitled to spousal benefits, regardless of orientation. n/t
pnwmom
May 2015
#75
That was part of the whole "list of benefits denied because gays can't marry" argument
jberryhill
May 2015
#10
You are free to speculate about the problems with a standard that works just fine in practice.
Unvanguard
May 2015
#58
Because unlike heterosexuals, we face the possibility of other bigotries.
Behind the Aegis
May 2015
#42
the problem with this is that gay rights are still being challenged, we have seen it
JI7
May 2015
#25
It is not "equal" when it can force them to choose between civil liberties.
Behind the Aegis
May 2015
#44
What you aren't understanding is making marriage EQUAL (not gay) won't not make us equal everywhere.
Behind the Aegis
May 2015
#50
The problem is short-sightedness and heterosexism laced with homophobia.
Behind the Aegis
May 2015
#83
My point is things aren't made equal because of one law regarding marriage equality.
Behind the Aegis
May 2015
#85
But they're facing the SAME risk right now if they apply for same-sex partner benefits. n/t
pnwmom
May 2015
#76
But when you use your insurance, you have to fill out forms listing secondary insurance,
pnwmom
May 2015
#81
You can opt out of insurance, which is what many people do for the better insurance.
Behind the Aegis
May 2015
#82