On Friday, June 26, Supreme Court chief justices gathered together to conclude
what would become a landmark decision in United States history. After
many years of a back and forth gay rights movement, the 5-4 split vote
would result in equality for all in regard to marriage, allowing same-sex
couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples in all 50 states.
Chief Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion for the case.
Resources say that Kennedy’s decisions were based on the equality
of all individuals, rejecting arguments from same-sex marriage adversaries
that stated the legalization of gay marriage would emasculate and disrespect
heterosexual marriages. While some say Chief Justice Anthony Kennedy joined
the liberal wing in defending homosexual marriages, others record that
the case was simply one involving the interpretation of constitutional
rights for all people, gays and lesbians included.
Of course, there was some opposition through the case. Chief Justice John
Roberts was said to have declared that the Constitution had nothing to
do with the issue of same-sex marriage. Even after the decision was made
official, Chief Justice John Roberts stated that while people should celebrate
a new freedom in America, the Constitution should not be celebrated because
the case did not necessitate the discussion of the document.
The conclusions of the ruling resulted in a wide range of emotions. Many
were said to have been wiping away tears, while others embraced one another
in celebration of America’s newest milestones. Outside of the Supreme
Court walls, many people joined, awaiting the ultimate decision that would
forever change the country. When the ruling was announced, people of all
ages, all ethnicities, and all genders joined together in one of the largest
celebrations the nation had ever seen. Within an hour of the decision,
over 3.8 million people shared their opinions via social-medias including
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more, making it one of the most impactful
public social issues of all time.
What does this mean for Married Gay Couples
Along with the milestone of the announcement regarding the conclusion of
the case, an even greater milestone was achieved. Now, married gay couples
have the same rights that married heterosexual couples have had for some time.
Same-sex couple are now able to enjoy legal protection and benefits such as:
- Tax benefits
-
Employment benefits
- Insurance benefits for spouse
- The ability to take a bereavement leave if one spouse passes away
- The ability to receive wage, compensation, and retirement benefits if one
spouse passes away
-
Medical benefits
- The ability for one spouse to make decisions if the other is unable to
-
Government benefits
- Social security
- Medicare
- Disability
- Military
-
Estate Planning benefits
- Allows for surviving spouses to inherit a portion of the deceased spouse’s estate(s)
-
Family benefits
- The ability to adopt children as a married couple.
- The benefit of having equitable division of assets if divorce is decided
upon at some point.
Still have Questions Regarding Same-Sex Marriage and Benefits?
If you have any questions about the new same-sex marriage laws, family
laws, or how you and your spouse can now benefit from America’s
milestone,
contact our Miami family law attorneys at Hager, Schwartz & Ross, P.A. We care about your rights and are
committed to making sure every person receives the benefits they deserve.