12 Reasons Why Legal Gay Marriage Is So Important

The Supreme Court's decision to legalise gay marriage all across the country is truly a historic moment. Never before have gay individuals been able to enjoy the same federal benefits as straight couples in the US. And now they will FINALLY have access to them. Legally married gay couples are now able to:

1. Have joint parenting rights

This means joint physical and legal custody of their child, allowing the couple to be recognised as co-parents.

2. Apply for housing assistance in in a low-income family

Meaning that the couple receives governmental help in finding a quality affordable home, free from discrimination.

3. Have next-of-kin status for emergency medical decisions

Which means that in a state of emergency, partners are notified and allowed to provide valuable information to the staff looking after the patient.

4. Inherit property

Meaning that they receive joint rights to shared property, as well as other rights such as joint rights to child support and alimony after divorce

5. Receive spousal benefits when an officer is killed in the line of duty

6. Receive spousal Social Security payments

7. Have Immunity from testifying against spouse

also called Spousal privilege, which prevents spouses from having to condemn, or be condemned by, their spouses.

8. Sponsor their husband/wife for immigration benefits

9. File income taxes jointly

10. Have family visitation rights, such as a visit to a spouse in a hospital or prison

11. Qualify for domestic violence intervention

12. Receive spousal funeral and bereavement leave