VA's Blocking of Same-Sex Tax Filing Criticized

RICHMOND, Va. -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia is criticizing Virginia's recent ruling that legally married same-sex couples can't file joint state tax returns.

The Department of Taxation's is requiring that those taxpayers file as individuals because Virginia doesn't recognize same-sex marriage.

The Virginian-Pilot reports that the state announced its position in November tax bulletin after consulting with legal counsel.

Executive Director Claire Gastanaga says the position reaffirms state's ongoing hostility towards gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Virginians.

The policy is at odds with federal standard allowing married gay couples to file joint returns following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June.