Same-Sex Couples Sue Alaska Over Property Taxes

Dan82 · Aug 4, 2010

http://www.ktva.com/oldlocal/ci_15668937?source=rss

Three same-sex couples are suing the State of Alaska and the Municipality of Anchorage, saying property tax laws discriminate against gay and lesbian couples.

67-year-old Julie Schmidt and 62-year-old Gayle Schuh say the state is denying them the right to be eligible for the $150,000 property tax exemption given to married senior citizens.

"It's disturbing to realize that just because we are a same sex couple that we are not afforded the same benefits as everyone else," says Schuh.

Although folks involved in this case are primarily pushing to be eligible for the property tax exemption, they also say they are fighting for fairness for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

"We're trying to fight for it, trying to do something about it and make it better for all of the couples that might be in our situation," Schmidt.

Even though it's against Alaska state law for same-sex couples to get married, the Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that not offering the same benefits to same-sex couples is against the state's constitution.

"Julie and Gale cannot get married. They are forbidden by the Alaska Constitution. So, what the Supreme Court has said is because of that, it is an equal protection violation to treat them differently and deny them this $150,000 dollar exemption." Says Jeffrey Mittman Attorney for American Civil Liberties Union Of Alaska.

ACLU attorneys say state tax assessors have to follow the rules of the Department of Law, but for Schmidt and Schuh this is a fight for fairness.

"For us, this is just a matter of fairness and we would like all committed couples in Alaska to be able to say that their state recognizes their commitment to each other and that their state believes in equality for all of us," says Schuh.

The Department of Law says it has received the complaint, is reviewing it and will respond in due time, but for now officials say they have no comment.
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Lady Gaga · Aug 4, 2010

Sell Alaska to Canada. Everyone wins.

The US gets money back into the economy, Palin can't run for President or any government position in the U.S., and they will be heard much better in Canada.

;3 But seriously, being denied tax excemptions because of your sexuality is stupid. They better have a good reason for doing it, other than "THE LESBIANS! OH NOOOOO!"

Same-Sex Couples Sue Alaska Over Property Taxes

Dan82
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Same-Sex Couples Sue Alaska Over Property Taxes

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