Federal laws hamper same-sex divorces

LOS ANGELES, July 25 (UPI) -- Inconsistencies between state and federal laws are making it difficult for same-sex couples to get divorced, law experts say.

Some same-sex couples run into trouble when filing for divorce because laws in the state they were married differ from laws in the state where they reside, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The Times said disagreements between federal and state legislators have made the divorce process more difficult for same-sex couples than two-sex couples.

Some law experts argue inconsistencies between state and federal laws discriminate against same-sex couples.

"Imagine if this involved race, if black couples or Jewish couples or Asian couples were subject to different rules. Would anyone think that's fair?" Fred Hertz, an Oakland, Calif., attorney who wrote "A Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples," told the Times.