What economic rights would same-sex couples have if same-sex marriage were legalized?

Answer 1

Economic rights include the right to housing, education, health care and an adequate standard of living. By entering into a same-sex marriage, these rights are somewhat altered because:

• There may be greater access to housing if both spouses work and share the cost of rent;
• There may be greater access to education if one spouse can work while the other enrolls in school;
• There may be greater access to health care if one spouse continues to work while the other is ill;
• There may be greater access to health care if the employer of one spouse provides health insurance to the other spouse; and,
• The standard of living of two single persons may be raised by sharing income and expenses, or by the distribution of responsibilities.