Same-sex couple seeks bankruptcy, faces legal challenges
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert and Billee Leithliter, a same-sex couple living in Harrisburg who were granted a civil union in Nov. 2011, are now facing legal challenges as they attempt to file for joint bankruptcy.
In Jan. 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill into law allowing same-sex civil unions in Illinois. The law went into effect June 1, and many gay and lesbian couples were granted civil union status, which is intended to give such couples the same rights as a married couple.
However, federal law still defines marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman under the Defense of Marriage Act, and bankruptcy falls under federal jurisdiction.
Because of the seemingly contradictory laws, the Leithliters are facing an uphill battle in their attempt to file for joint bankruptcy.
"We're going to have to fight for our rights," said Robert Leithliter. "And I'm definitely a fighter."
So far, the Leithliters have spoken to a lawyer and have completed the paperwork necessary to file for bankruptcy. The next step in the process is to formally file for bankruptcy in court, which they plan to do March 2.
After that, the decision will be up to a federal judge.
The couple said that being in a gay marriage has already been a challenge to them, and in some ways has contributed to their need to file for bankruptcy. Robert Leithliter says he lost his job when his employer found out about his sexuality, and was denied two more jobs for the same reason.
"We've had a pretty hard fight so far," said Robert Leithliter. "But it's been worth it every step of the way."
In addition, both Robert and Billee Leithliter have faced medical issues that contributed to their financial situation.
Despite the challenges, the couple said they are happy and proud of their relationship.
"We go through Wal-Mart holding hands," said Robert Leithliter. "That's why God gave people necks, so they can turn their heads if they don't want to look."
If the courts deny the Leithliters a joint bankruptcy, they plan to fight the ruling.
"They're picking and choosing which rights we can have," said Robert Leithliter. "And that's not fair."