News

Log Cabin Applauds Introduction of Permanent Death Tax Repeal Legislation

Death Tax Repeal Would Benefit Gay and Lesbian Families

February 18, 2005

(Washington, DC) – Senator John Kyl (R-AZ), joined by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), has introduced legislation to permanently repeal the discriminatory death tax. "Log Cabin applauds the introduction of legislation to permanently kill the death tax. A majority of Americans support permanent repeal of the economically unsound death tax which unfairly penalizes gay and lesbian families," said Log Cabin Political Director Chris Barron.

Log Cabin unveiled its 2005 legislative agenda in January and specifically highlighted permanent repeal of the death tax as a priority for the 109th Congress. Under current law, married couples are allowed a "marital deduction" that shields assets from taxation when one spouse dies. Gay couples are prevented from getting the same benefit. As a result, without permanent repeal, gay couples would be subject to the death tax twice.

The federal tax on inheritances, which is being gradually phased out under President Bush's temporary tax cuts of 2001 will revert to its previous rate of up to 60 percent in 2011 without Congressional action. The House introduced a similar permanent repeal bill in early January. According to a Gallup poll, 60% of Americans support repeal of this discriminatory tax.

"Log Cabin looks forward to working with our Republican allies on the Hill to pass this and other critical pieces of reform legislation," concluded Barron.