Challenging DOMA

GLAD Civil Rights Project Director Mary L. Bonauto explains how GLAD is keeping the pressure on with a second challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Pedersen v. O.P.M. For more information visit http://www.glad.org/doma






Suzanne & Geraldine Artis of Connecticut are plaintiffs in Pedersen v. O.P.M., Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders' second circuit challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). They have been together for 17 years and married in 2008. They have three school-aged sons. Suzanne is a school librarian. Geraldine, a teacher by profession, has recently undergone three back surgeries and is unable to work. They pay at least $1500 more in income taxes each year because of DOMA, money they could use for their family. For more information, visit http:/www.glad.org/doma




Bradley Kleinerman and Flint Gehre of Connecticut are plaintiffs in Pedersen v. O.P.M., Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders' second circuit challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). They have been together for 19 years and married in 2009. They have three sons that they adopted after serving as foster parents. Flint, a former police officer and teacher, is now a stay-at-home dad, while Brad works in human resources. Because of DOMA, they pay at least $1500 more in income taxes each year, money they could use for their family. For more information, visit http:/www.glad.org/doma



Raquel Ardin & Lynda DeForge of Vermont are plaintiffs in Pedersen v. O.P.M., Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders' second circuit challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). They have been together for 33 years, and were married in 2009 by Raquel's 89-year-old father, who lives with them. Lynda, a postal employee, was denied family medical leave to care for Raquel, who needs regular and painful injections into her neck because of a military service-connected injury. Lynda could not use FMLA to care for Raquel after knee surgery this year. For more information, visit http:/www.glad.org/doma



Janet Geller & Jo Marquis of New Hampshire are plaintiffs in Pedersen v. O.P.M., Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders' second circuit challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). They have been together for 31 years and were married in May 2010. Both are retired schoolteachers. Jan is unable to receive a health benefit from Jo's retiree plan because of DOMA, which places additional financial burdens on them during their retirement. For more information, visit http:/www.glad.org/doma




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