Then there are the legal costs; in states where domestic partnerships are not recognized, gay couples would need to spend ten of thousands of dollars on lawyers to draw up legal authorizations for hospital visitations, property sharing, child custody, inheritance, etc. These are things that are automatically given to married couples. Even in states where domestic partnerships are recognized, same-sex partners are sometimes required to seek legal help when their rights are denied.
And then there's the whole Civil Union vs Marriage debate. I remember reading about a same-sex couple in New Jersey who were partnered through the law (Civilized????). One man's employer refused to cover the partner because they were not married, but just civilized. Yes, New Jersey's law granted the same rights and privileges, but it required the expense of lawyers and court time before the New Jersey company complied with the law.
And so many other, little things. Family discounts for goods and services. Returning to the United States and going though customs as a family (not *that* costly unless you did a lot of shopping, but it's an emotional toll). Being allowed to fall in love with foreign individuals without being required to live overseas. It all adds up.
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Then there are the legal costs; in states where domestic partnerships are not recognized, gay couples would need to spend ten of thousands of dollars on lawyers to draw up legal authorizations for hospital visitations, property sharing, child custody, inheritance, etc. These are things that are automatically given to married couples. Even in states where domestic partnerships are recognized, same-sex partners are sometimes required to seek legal help when their rights are denied.
And then there's the whole Civil Union vs Marriage debate. I remember reading about a same-sex couple in New Jersey who were partnered through the law (Civilized????). One man's employer refused to cover the partner because they were not married, but just civilized. Yes, New Jersey's law granted the same rights and privileges, but it required the expense of lawyers and court time before the New Jersey company complied with the law.
And so many other, little things. Family discounts for goods and services. Returning to the United States and going though customs as a family (not *that* costly unless you did a lot of shopping, but it's an emotional toll). Being allowed to fall in love with foreign individuals without being required to live overseas. It all adds up.
Support the Uniting American Families Act. Call your congress person.
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