US to recognize same-sex marriage in six new states
The federal government is recognizing gay marriage in six more states, extending federal benefits to those couples.
Attorney General Eric Holder says the states are: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Saturday’s announcement brings the total number of states with federal recognition of same-sex marriage to 32, plus the District of Columbia.
Couples married in these states will qualify for a range of federal benefits, including Social Security and veterans’ benefits.
Holder says the Justice Department also has determined that it can legally recognize gay marriages performed in Indiana and Wisconsin after federal courts declared state marriage bans unconstitutional. Subsequent developments created confusion about the status of those unions, but Holder says the federal government will recognize the marriages.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Pennsylvania House Dems propose new expulsion rules after remote voting by lawmaker facing a warrant
Democratic floor leader Rep. Matt Bradford proposed the rule change after Dem. Rep. Kevin Boyle voted remotely while being sought on charges he violated a restraining order.
2 hours ago
Thanks anyway, Bobby: Kennedy family endorses Biden for 2024 over one of their own
Joe Biden received the endorsement of the Kennedy family at large in Philadelphia on Thursday.
4 hours ago
The vast majority of Pa. legislative races will effectively be decided during the primary
Pennsylvania's 2024 state House and Senate races will be decided by just a sliver of the voting population, thanks to closed primaries and non-competitive districts.
7 hours ago