Linda Sánchez Fights for LGBT Equality (April 26, 2012)
CongresswomanIntroduces Bill to End Social Security Discrimination
Washington, DC –Today, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez(CA-39) announced the introduction of the Social Security Equality Act of 2012(H.R. 4609) which would end a Social Security Administration discriminatorypolicy that denies benefits to same-sex couples.
"No American should ever be treated differently by thecountry they love because of who they love," said CongresswomanSánchez. "Social Security is based on a simple formula--work hard, payinto it with each paycheck, and be able to retire with dignity. This must applyto all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation. It is time theSocial Security Administration ends a misguided policy that discriminatesagainst same-sex couples."
Congresswoman Sánchez introduced the Social SecurityEquality Act of 2012 at a Capitol Hill press conference along with leading LGBTadvocates from across the country, including actor and LGBT activist GeorgeTakei. H.R. 4609 would eliminate the Social Security Administration'spolicy preventing same-sex couples from receiving the same spousal, survivorand death benefits their heterosexual counterparts receive.
"The Social Security Equality Act will make a crucialdifference to countless elderly LGBT people who are struggling to survivebecause their own government has denied them the Social Security benefits theirspouse's paid for and to which they are entitled," said Lorri L. Jean, L.A.Gay & Lesbian Center CEO. "That's not only wrong, it'sun-American."
The Social Security Equality Act of 2012 would require theSocial Security Administration to provide spousal, survivor and death benefitsto same sex couples in relationships that have been recognized by the statewhere they live. H.R. 4609 was introduced with 94 original co-sponsors and hasbeen referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Background
Congresswoman Sánchez introduced the Social SecurityEquality Act of 2010 in the previous session of Congress. H.R. 4609 hasgarnered support from the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, the National Gay andLesbian Task Force Action Fund, AIDS Community Action Foundation, SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), and PFLAG (ParentsFamilies and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
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