"Committed and loving gay and lesbian married couples will now be treated equally under our nation's federal tax laws, regardless of what state they call home. These families finally have access to crucial tax benefits and protections previously denied to them under the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act."
Chad Griffin, president Human Rights Campaign.
This welcome clarification provides fair and consistent treatment for all legally married couples across the country. The federal government is right to recognize that people's marriages shouldn't dissolve when they cross state lines."
James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project.
"There are going to be a lot of state tax attorneys working overtime next week. This is what everyone has been waiting for. Now states can release their own guidance."
Verenda Smith, deputy director at the Federation of Tax Administrators.
"Equal federal tax protections will not only endow legally married same-sex couples with the respect and dignity they deserve, but will also provide critical financial security for countless loving families."
Wilson Cruz, a spokesman for GLAAD, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender media advocacy organization.
"The decision will increase pressure on states that don't recognize gay marriage or treat gay citizens equally since it will become increasingly intolerable for those states to continue to treat married gay couples as second-class citizens, especially given that the IRS will now afford them equal respect and dignity under the law."
Roberta Kaplan, attorney for the plaintiff in United States v Windsor, the Supreme Court case that struck down DOMA.
"There will be enormous federal pressure now on states to conform to the IRS. The Supreme Court decision placed an [improvised explosive device] under every state marriage amendment in the land. I predict we will very quickly see legal action in the 37 states that do not give legal recognition to same-sex marriage to force them to conform to federal policy on their tax forms."
Bryan Fischer, of the American Family Association
"Giving same sex couples the right to file jointly continues a pattern of lawlessness across the country. The Obama administration is intent on forcing same-sex 'marriage' on an unwilling public. Congress alone has the responsibility of determining federal tax law."
Brian Brown, president of the National Organization of Marriage
