Us Congress Senate Bill SB1314

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/26/23
• Refer: 4/26/23

Caption

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the definition of spouse and surviving spouse to include all individuals lawfully married, and for other purposes.

Impact

The implementation of SB1314 is expected to have significant implications on state laws and federal benefits. By providing an inclusive definition of marriage, it establishes a more equitable framework for veterans to receive their due benefits. This bill not only reflects changing societal norms regarding marriage but also aligns federal regulations with state laws that recognize same-sex marriages. It ensures compliance with civil rights advancements that have occurred in recent years and emphasizes equal treatment under the law for all veterans and their families.

Summary

SB1314 aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code concerning the definition of 'spouse' and 'surviving spouse' in order to include all individuals lawfully married, regardless of gender. This change is designed to ensure that veterans' benefits are accessible to all spouses, including those in same-sex marriages. By altering the existing definition, the bill seeks to eliminate any discriminatory language that could potentially deny benefits to lawful spouses of veterans based on their gender or sexual orientation.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a progressive step towards inclusivity, there may be points of contention among conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups who oppose changes to traditional definitions of marriage. Some may argue that such amendments could exacerbate existing cultural tensions regarding marriage equality. However, supporters assert that the bill is a necessary acknowledgment and validation of the rights of all individuals in lawful marriages, reinforcing the commitment to combat discrimination within government services.