Skip to main content

Reps. Chu and Levin Move to Update Tax Code to Include LGBT Couples

February 14, 2019

Washington, D.C. – In celebration of love on Valentine's Day, in affirmation of the LGBTQ community and to advance America's march towards equal protection and inclusion under the law, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-27) and Andy Levin (MI-09) introduced the Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act, a bill that would update the U.S. tax code to remove gendered language and affirm the dignity of LGBTQ married couples. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) will introduce the Senate version as Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee.

"Tax filing is often difficult enough already without also making LGBTQ families feel prejudiced against," Congresswoman Judy Chu said. "This is a simple and common sense fix that acknowledges LGBTQ couples as equals. The Supreme Court has recognized that love is love, no matter your gender identity. It's time our tax code does the same."

"Marriage equality became the law of the land four years ago, and it is past time for our laws to reflect that," Congressman Andy Levin said. "Today, as Americans celebrate Valentine's Day, I introduced this bill to make simple, common sense changes to our tax code so that it accurately represents all people to whom it applies. The Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act will make small changes that have a huge impact on the affirmation of the LGBTQ community."

The bill is supported by groups including the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality.