This is good news for those of us who live in relatively liberal areas (Northern Virginia), but whose state is conservative. The Virginia gerrymandering makes it impossible at this point to repeal the constitutional amendment against same sex marriage. Federal Benefits means we really can say screw you VA government.

I think you meant Colorado.

Honestly, I did NOT see it coming. There was some decision recently that hung on place of residence rather than celebration, and I assumed that federal tax benefits would fall the same way. But this is great! It's like I just got a $3,000 raise! I'm THRILLED to know that I'll be getting that back. My partner and I have young kids (kids are expensive!) so this is great news for us!

But they do not recognize civil unions.

Full faith and credit, bitches.

"Though why you want to live in Alabama, I've know idea."

Release the grammar trolls!

@7: eye no! they might at least read through their post prior to putting it up.

"...Jstice Department will not sue to block voter-approved marijuana legalization measures in Washington and Oregon..."

This is especially good news for Oregon voters since they didn't approve it. Bummer for Coloradans though.

#10

"Progressive changes" is code for tax increases and entitlements. Detroit, coming to a city near you!

#10

"Progressive changes" is code for tax increases and entitlements. Detroit, coming to a city near you!

@12 and 13: Congratulations on being part of the problem! I am sure you feel very good about your life choices and the privileges you were born with. Really. That's great for you.

Roll Tide.

Wouldn't this mean that the wedding industry in states where SSM is legal would see a boom? That would be great for the economy AND piss off the fundies - win/win.

@11
Gay folk already live and set up shop throughout the south.

GAME CHANGER! Seriously, it's all over, short of popping the corks and thwacking butts with wet towels!

In one fell-swoop the IRS has effectively negated many of the most heinous effects of state-level DOMA laws. Now, it's only a matter of time before same-sex couples begin challenging these head-on, using their federal tax status as an argument for states to provide similar recognition.

In addition, it also puts yet another nail in the proverbial coffin for businesses and services (such as hospitals, as just one example) engaging in discrimination against same-sex couples, as this will make it much more difficult for them to justify denying goods or services based on the argument that, even if a couple is married in one state, their marriage may not be recognized elsewhere, since IRS acknowledgement of marital status IS in fact recognized in EVERY state.

Makes me wish I was still doing tax prep, just so that I could have the satisfaction of marking "Married Filing Jointly" on the returns of my former same-sex clients come next Tax Season...

So, any guesses what the federal government under a Romney administration would have done?

Maybe Raindrop (who once told us on Slog that Obama will never endorse marriage equality) can enlighten us.