LGBT Rights
Denying LGBT couples the right to marry also denies them 1,138 Federal benefits available to opposite-sex couples, including the following:
- medical decision-making authority
- inheritance rights & death benefits
- the ability to adopt children as a couple
- eligibility for governmental relief programs such as workers compensation
- immunity from having to testify against a spouse in court
- access to Family Court for orders of protection from domestic violence and divorce
- lack of medical coverage for spouse and spouse's dependent children
- immigration benefits (for partners from other countries)
- federal and state taxes on benefits, such as medical coverage, when offered through a private or public employer
- hospital visitation rights for sick spouse or dependent child
You should know that:
- It is currently legal in 30 states for someone to be fired just because they have identified as LGBT. Furthermore, only 13 states currently protect gender identity and expression in their employment non-discrimination laws.
- Currently, 96 percent of college and university campuses do not have any staff offering services and support to LGBT individuals.
- Only 11 states have hate crimes laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Five states currently have laws that actively restrict gay couples from adopting.
- Approximately 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBT. In New York City alone, there are more than 7,500 homeless LGBT youth.
(List provided by the Syracuse University LGBT Resource Center)