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This bill, introduced in 2015, seeks to modernize federal law by replacing gender-specific language like "husband" and "wife" with gender-neutral terms such as "spouse" or "married couple." By updating the Internal Revenue Code, the Social Security Act, and other federal regulations, the legislation aims to ensure that all legally married couples are recognized equally under federal law.
For citizens, this would standardize how the government handles various benefits and protections, including Social Security survivor benefits, family medical leave, and federal workers' compensation. It would also ensure that tax rules and criminal laws—such as those protecting the families of former presidents—apply uniformly to all spouses regardless of gender. While the bill was referred to a committee in 2015 and did not become law, many of its goals regarding federal recognition were later addressed by the Supreme Court and subsequent legislation like the Respect for Marriage Act of 2022.
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