News

Log Cabin Praises Senate Introduction of Legislation to Provide Tax Fairness for All Americans

June 6, 2007

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans praise the bi-partisan introduction today of legislation to ease the tax burden on employees who receive health benefits for their domestic partners. The Tax Equity for Domestic Partner and Health Plan Beneficiaries Act, introduced by Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT), would also ease the tax burden on employers who offer these benefits.

"For too long, the federal government has not caught up with corporate America in providing basic fairness for same-sex couples," said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. "This bill would bring government in line with the majority of Fortune 500 companies, who understand the importance of equitable treatment. We thank Senator Gordon Smith for introducing this important bill."

"Nontraditional families are part of the fabric of our society and deserve fair treatment," said Senator Smith. His bill would end the tax inequities that currently exist under federal law.

Current law excludes from income the value of employer-provided insurance premiums and benefits received by employees for coverage of an employee's spouse and dependents, but does not extend this treatment to coverage of domestic partners. Smith and Lieberman's bill will end this federal tax inequity. "This common sense legislation will provide basic fairness for hard working gay and lesbian families," said Sammon. "We applaud Senator Smith for leading the fight to provide tax fairness for all Americans.