4 Experts Available for Timely Analysis on Marriage Equality Bill
The Senate is expected to vote next week on legislation aimed at protecting same-sex marriage, but it’s unclear if the bill will receive enough bipartisan support to pass.
For reporters looking for an expert on this bill and its goal of codifying marriage equality into law, the following researchers are available to provide commentary and analysis.
Badgett is a labor economist and policy analyst focusing on issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. She was an expert witness in many marriage equality cases, including the Prop 8 case in California, and she has testified before Congress and several state legislatures. She is the author of The Economic Case for LGBT Equality.
Coston's research examines how the intersections of race, class, and gender create differing experiences of marginalization and oppression for people who are LGBTQ.
Quote: "There are serious negative impacts to banning same-sex marriage to the mental health and well being of LGBTQ+ people, particularly LGBTQ+ youth. It is essential that we preserve this right through legislation that protects same-sex marriage, rather than leaving it to the whim of an activist court."
Gonzales studies state policies and initiatives to improve health and access to health care for vulnerable families and children. In his recent work, he evaluates the impact of same-sex marriage on health insurance coverage for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families.
Risman’s teaching and research focuses on the changing politics and policies around gender and sexual inequality. Her areas of expertise include work and family policies, changing family roles, the diversity of family structure and the Millennial generation. Her recent book Where the Millennials Will Take Us includes analysis of attitudes towards same-sex marriage and gender equality more generally.
Quote: "Any change to the law to hinder the stability of same-sex couples will hurt Americans, will tear apart marriages and create pain for the children of same-sex couples."