In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson discusses with Arline Isaacson, Co Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus, the ramifications of the lawsuit Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has filed against the U.S. government which seeks federal marriage benefits for over 16,000 gay & lesbian couples who have legally married in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth is challenging the constitutionality of the federal 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, saying the law denies "essential rights & protections" to gay couples who have married since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriages in 2004. Isaacson who spoke directly with Attorney General Coakley as she historically and courageously became the first Attorney General to take on DOMA shares her first hand account of how this legal maneuver will effect the future of LGBT civil rights in Massachusetts and America.
The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, denies gay and lesbian couples access to more than 1,000 federal programs and legal protections for their families. President Obama has stated that he would like to see DOMA repealed. Massachusetts Attorney General Coakley, who filed the suit, cited several benefits denied to gay couples, including federal income tax credits, employment and retirement benefits, health insurance coverage & Social Security payments.
"We view all married persons equally," Coakley said.
In March 2009 the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) filed suit against the federal government on behalf of 8 Massachusetts gay married couples that have been denied Federal benefits for their families. Isaacson said that “The timing couldn’t be better for the Coakley’s suit. There's a good chance these cases will merge together since they both appear to be heading to the federal Supreme Court."
UPDATE: OUTTAKE MEDIA™ Favors Martha Coakley
OUTTAKE MEDIA™ & the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus
endorses Attorney General Martha Coakley for the US Senate seat previously
held by Ted Kennedy....
For More Info: MGLPC.org
Massachusetts Attorney General
Martha Coakley
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