US: Alaska Supreme Court rules gay couples deserve equal access to tax benefit

The Supreme Court in the US state of Alaska on Friday ruled that same-sex couples deserve equal access to a tax benefit as straight couples.

The case was initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 2009, and sought to allow same-sex couples access to a property tax exemption.

Three couples on behalf of which the ACLU brought the case, were denied the $150,000 (£90,000) exemption which is offered to senior citizens and disabled veterans.

The ACLU of Alaska said that they are being treated like roommates instead of families.

A 2005 ruling by the Alaska Supreme Court found that denying gay couples equal rights violates the state’s constitution.

Alaska currently does not allow same-sex marriage and is one of only four US states which currently have no lawsuit challenging same-sex marriage restrictions.

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