What Happens After 'I Do'?

On Sunday, same-sex New Yorkers all over the state . But now those couples face hurdles that heterosexual couples do not.

"New York took an historic step forward with marriage equality—but LGBT New Yorkers still face a number of challenges after saying 'I do,' said State Senator Daniel Squadron.

Under the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and because of the religious exemptions in the New York marriage equality bill, the legal rights of same-sex couples in the state are not clear-cut. Same sex-couples need to understand their rights in relation to social security, health benefits, federal pension benefits, tax returns, interstate travel and relocation and adoption.

To help New Yorkers, a group of elected officials including Senator Squadron, Councilmembers Brad Lander and Steve Levin, Congressmembers Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assemblywoman Joan Millman and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz are hosting a forum on August 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Borough of Manhattan Community College.

“After ‘I Do’: What’s Next for LGBT New Yorkers?” will bring together representatives from the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, as well as officials from the federal and state governments, according to a press release.

"We'll look at these challenges, including DOMA, social security, health benefits, tax returns and interstate travel and relocation, as well as the path to true equality for all married couples," said Squadron.

The Forum takes place on August 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, Richard Harris Terrace, 199 Chambers Street, NYC. RSVP by emailing squadron@nysenate.gov.