Same Sex Marriage Employee Benefits

There are certain historical events that happen during our lifetime, that we will never forget. For me June 26, 2015 will always be one of those days. I remember waking up to the news that in the Obergfell v. Hodges case the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense Of Marriage Act was unconstitutional and that:

• Same sex marriage is legal in all US jurisdictions
• States must recognize same sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions
• Equal treatment for ALL married couples in relation to:
• State taxation
• Employee benefit plans
• Pension and retirement plans
• Health and welfare plans

Today... about 3 months after the ruling I found myself sitting at a HR training all about same sex marriage rights as they relate to benefits. I had to smile to myself, knowing that in my own small way I will get to carry forward this historic civil rights event in the course of my everyday work.

Thank you to the Insurance Services Firm, Woodruff, Sawyer, & Co for the great presentation today at PASCO, HR!