The ACLU wants all state agencies in Kansas to recognize same sex marriages. As KPR’s Stephen Koranda reports, the group is now asking a federal court to make that happen.
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The court filing specifically names several state officials, including the secretary of revenue. It says people in same sex relationships have been denied state benefits, like joining their spouse’s health insurance or filing joint taxes.
Thomas Witt, with the group Equality Kansas, says the courts have let same sex marriages go forward in Kansas, and that means they should also be recognized by state agencies.
“It’s ridiculous that the state is making us jump through each and every one of these hoops,” says Witt.
A spokesperson for the Department of Revenue has said the case is still under appeal and they won’t make any changes until there’s a final decision.