Texas Sues Feds Over Benefits for Same-Sex Couples
The state of Texas is suing the Obama administration for giving medical leave benefits to certain same-sex couples, according to a Wednesday announcement from Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The lawsuit comes in response to a rule change announced by the president last month, which grants paid time off to legally married same-sex couples, even if they are living in a state, like Texas, that does not recognize gay marriage. The rule change to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, is scheduled to take effect March 27.
The newly revised definition of spouse under the FMLA is in direct violation of state and federal laws and the U.S. Constitution, Paxton said in a written statement.
The federal rule change would apply only to federal employees. Currently, same-sex couples cannot get married in Texas, so only couples that were legally married elsewhere would be eligible for the benefits.
Read more: http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/18/ag-paxton-sues-feds-over-benefits-same-sex-couples/
Cross-posted in LBN and the LGBT Group.