Black same-sex couples are already economically disadvantaged compared to black married opposite-sex couples and white same-sex couples. Here’s why:

When compared with black opposite-sex couples and white same-sex couples, black same-sex couples are more likely to:

• Parent children and
• Earn a lower annual income.

Anti-gay marriage amendments will negatively affect black same-sex couples because they are more likely to:

• Work in the public sector, relying on domestic partner health insurance, and
• Serve in the military, where they could lose income and benefits for serving openly.

Black same-sex couples have more to gain from legal recognition of their relationships and more to lose when states pass amendments banning marriage and other forms of partner recognition.