Mid-South Attorney Weighs in on Supreme Court Ruling

Courtney Leyes was featured on WMC Action News 5 on June 26, 2015. In the interview, Courtney discussed the historic impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Will employers be forced to recognize same-sex spouses when it comes to insurance?
"If an employer offers benefits, like medical benefits to heterosexual married couples then they will be required to offer those same benefits to same-sex married couples."

Can a company oppose the ruling and not recognize same-sex spouses if they don't want to?
"I don't think that would happen. I don't think the court would approve of that because in it's opinion, the courts spent an enormous amount of time discussing marriage and how our constitution protects marriage."

In the marriage, are you considered family when it comes to visiting your spouse in the hospital?
"Now, if you are in a marriage with same-sex spouse, and your spouse is ill, it is covered under the Family Medical Leave Act and you will be able to go in and tend to your spouse."

Why she doesn't think the Supreme Court will be overruled in their decision:
"Because of the way the tide is turning. We're moving forward and this is kind of seen as a second Civil Rights Movement and I don't think anyone is going to want to be on the wrong side this time."

Are churches now legally obligated to perform same-sex marriage?
"It's going back to the First Amendment. If you're a church, the federal government cannot force a church to perform something that's against their religion."

To watch the interview, please visit WMC Action News 5.