In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot deny same-gender couples the right to marry. Same-gender couples û many of them, in fact û flocked to California and started getting legally married on June 17, 2008. But then in November 2008, California voters approved Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage going forward.

Massachusetts and Canada also allow same-gender marriage, and more than 15,000 couples have been married there. On the flip side, more than half of the states have passed state constitutional amendments banning same-gender marriages. In addition, 44 states have defense of marriage laws or constitution provisions providing that the state does not have to recognize same-gender marriages, such as those performed in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Canada.

What are employers to make of these conflicting developments? Whether or not you have been presented with employees entering into same-gender marriages, it is wise to examine your plans and policies to prepare for this situation.

This teleconference will explain the recent legal developments in detail and present strategies for evaluating your current benefit plan documents, HR policies, tax and payroll procedures, and other administrative practices, as well as formulating an appropriate response.

Faculty: Todd A. Solomon, McDermott Will & Emery

Verification and Attendance is the responsibility of Lorman Education For credit questions, please contact Lorman at 866-352-9540

On Demand CLE Hours: AK 1.5, AZ 1.5, CA 1.5, CO 2, FL 2, GA 1.5, ID 1.5, IL 1.5, IN 1.5, KY 1.5, LA 1.5, MO 1.8, MS 1.5, MT 1.5, NC 1.5, ND 1.5, NH 1.5, NM 1.5, NY 1.5, OH 1.5, OR 1.5, PA 1.5, SC 1.5, TN 1.5, UT 1.5, VT 1.5, WA 1.5, WI 1.5, WV 1.8, WY 1.5

Self-Study CLE Hours: CO 2, FL 2, GA 1.5, MO 1.8, ND 1.5, NM 1.5, NY 1.5, OR 1.5, TX 1.5, UT 1.5

On demand orders placed on a weekend or holiday will be fulfilled on the next business day.