MANHATTAN — Same-sex couples have been busy celebrating the state's historic gay marriage legislation, but LGBT couples still face a host of legal hurdles, prompting a group of city and state elected officials to hold a forum on the topic next month.
The event, hosted by State Sen. Daniel Squadron, is called "After 'I Do': What's Next for LGBT New Yorkers?" It will cover topics including the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) — which does not recognize marriage equality — same-sex couples' health benefits, federal pension benefits, tax returns and adoption.
Co-hosts include state Senator Tom Duane, who sponsored the marriage equality bill; Congressmembers Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Nydia Velázquez; Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver; Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer; Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Brian Kavanagh, Joseph Lentol and Joan Millman; and Councilmembers Margaret Chin, Brad Lander, Stephen Levin and Rosie Mendez.
Representatives from the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will also be on hand.
The forum is scheduled for Tues., Aug. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Borough of Manhattan Community College’s Richard Harris Terrace, 199 Chambers St.
