Agencies (in Massachusetts) prepare for gay spouses | Boston Globe

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Agencies prepare for gay spouses

By Scott S. Greenberger, Globe Staff, 4/4/2004

State agencies have launched preparations for the likelihood that gay couples will marry in Massachusetts, reviewing rules on insurance, retirement benefits, tax filings, and even lottery winnings to determine what must be changed if the Supreme Judicial Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage goes into effect May 17.

Despite the intense debate over gay marriage in the Legislature, it appears that making the necessary administrative changes, such as making forms gender-neutral and allowing same-sex couples to file joint tax returns in 2005 -- can be accomplished fairly easily.

"As far as we can see, it's not a big issue," state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill told the Globe after reviewing reports from the agencies under his department. "Obviously, there will be inconsistencies between state and federal law, but there are in many cases anyway."

While Massachusetts is poised to recognize same-sex marriages, the federal government is not. That means that same-sex partners won't be eligible for federal benefits such as Social Security.

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