The Matthew Shepard case demonstrates the need for hate-crimes legislation to include gays and lesbians. Domestic partnership benefits for workers. Domestic partner benefits can include medical and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, pension benefits, family and bereavement leave, education and tuition assistance, credit union membership, relocation and travel expenses, and inclusion of partners in company events. While employers typically extend benefits to an employee's spouse and dependents, gay and lesbian couples usually do not receive the same compensation. Laws allowing gays to marry.
Marriage is a contract between a state and a couple.
Because gays and lesbians are not allowed to marry legally, they are denied certain rights, privileges, and benefits provided to married couples. So far, Vermont is the only state to allow civil unions between gays and lesbians. Policies allowing gays and lesbians to adopt children. Florida prohibits anyone who is gay or lesbian from adopting children. Utah recently passed legislation preventing unmarried couples from adopting and Mississippi passed legislation barring same-sex couple from adopting.