Effects of Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage Start Rippling Out Through Government

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Jeremy W. Peters

WASHINGTON, D.C.---As straightforward as awarding benefits might seem after an unambiguous Supreme Court decision, any changes that are applied across an entity as vast as the federal government are a huge logistical undertaking. In some instances, government agencies will consider a marriage valid only if the state where the couple currently live recognizes it. Others will look to the state where the couple filed their most recent tax return, or where they lived when they applied for benefits, or where they were married. Most government entities, like the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration, are still examining how to apply the ruling to same-sex couples. The Justice Department has convened a special task force to assist. [link]