Gay marriage ruling not a slam-dunk for benefits MarketWatch

Posted on May 18, 2008
Filed Under Gay News Blog

In a close ruling, California’s Supreme Court on Thursday overturned the state’s ban on gay marriage, clearing the way for same-sex couples to tie the knot.

But because the federal government doesn’t recognize gay marriage and California already has a strong domestic partnership law, the new ruling’s nuts-and-bolts impact on gay couples’ personal finances is expected to be limited, analysts said. For example, Social Security survivor benefits and Cobra, the continuation of employer health insurance after a job loss or divorce, still apply exclusively to the traditionally married.

Gay marriage ruling not a slam-dunk for benefits MarketWatch