Change in Law May Allow Domestic Partners Access to Health Benefits

Good news for same-sex domestic partnerships in California is on the horizon. A federal judge has intimated that she is likely to strike down a law that has long prevented same-sex couples from gaining equal access to state health care benefits. A lawsuit is challenging the legality of a portion of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. This portion states that same-sex couples that are state employees are to be denied long-term health coverage. The judge has joined a growing group which states that this portion of the law is prejudicial against gay and lesbian couples.

Even President Obama has added his two cents to the discussion. He announced that he does not support the law nor does he find it to be constitutional. However, he did go on to say that only same-sex couples should be arguing against this law. This would exclude heterosexual couples that are registered as being in domestic partnerships. Have questions about domestic partnership laws in the state of California? Take the time to get your questions answered by contacting Claery & Green to speak with a Los Angeles family lawyer.