AttorneysEd Center

On April 3, 2009, Iowa became the third state to legalize same-sex marriage. On the day before, Vermont passed same-sex marriage legislation, although the governor has indicated an intent to veto the bill. In addition, the California Supreme Court will soon rule on the validity of California's Proposition 8, which was approved by voters in November 2008. While opponents of Proposition 8 argue that it was an unconstitutional revision of the fundamental principles of equality built into the California constitution, and supporters of Proposition 8 argue that the people have spoken, it is the California Supreme Court that ultimately will decide the fate of Proposition 8, and a decision is due any day now.

Join us for this important new program in which Todd Solomon, a partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, discusses what these recent events will mean for domestic partnerships and same-sex married couples and how the decisions will impact employee benefit plans. Topics include:
1. If Proposition 8 is overturned, will plans be required to cover California same-sex spouses?
2. How does the Federal Defense of Marriage Act impact this?
3. What are the tax consequences of offering benefits to California domestic partners?
4. What other states might legalize same-sex marriage?