California Supreme Court rejects challenge to property tax protections for domestic partners.

Lambda Legal – a national GLBT civil rights organization – is celebrating a victory in California. In a major show of support for same-sex couples, the California Supreme Court denied a petition by county assessors seeking review of a California Court of Appeal decision affirming the validity of basic property tax protections for domestic partners. The Court’s decision means that the validity of these protections is now secure. No further appeals are possible.

“We’re thrilled the Supreme Court has recognized what the trial court and the appellate court have each already found to be true – that the Board of Equalization has the authority to grant gay and lesbian couples the same protections in a time of grief as everyone else,” said Lambda Legal Senior Staff Attorney Brian Chase. “No one should lose their home after the death of a partner.”

Lambda Legal achieves it’s goals through impact litigation, education and public policy work.