Why Equality Matters

Katryna sent me this interesting and informative link that is full of lots of info and it explains the rights that we are denied as gays when we are denied marriage. Civil Unions do not all provide for these. States vary on which ones provide Civil Unions for same-sex couples. Because of DOMA (DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT), states are not required, by law, to recognize marriages and/or Civil Unions from other states of same-sex couples. Also, we have to pay attorney fees to have legal documents drawn and filed, which heterosexual couples do NOT have to do!

There was a Washington state lesbain couple who, a few years ago, filed all their paperwork. They decided do go on a Rosie O'Donnell family cruise embarking out of Florida. While on the boat, before it departed, one of them had an aneurysm and was rushed to a local Floridian hospital. The partner had all their paperwork faxed to the hospital. TO her SHOCK, the hospital denied her and their children the right to see her. She ended up dying and her family never had any closure. THAT IS SO WRONG!

i really wish people who are against same-sex marriage for religious reasons could see that we are not trying to force any church, faith community, or house of worship to marry same-sex couples. We recognize your right to disagree yet, we ask that you do not deny us our human rights. Those faith communites that do support us should have the freedom to marry us if they so choose. We do not live in a theocracy and there are good reasons as to why there is separation of church and state. i know not all minds will change but i do have hope that some will, as i did and those of others who came to that place before me.

Here are some highlights on why 1138 Reasons Equality Matters:

#0047: Joint Taxes:
LGBT couples cannot file taxes jointly; as a result, taxes for a LGBT couple can be significantly higher.

# 0221: Hospital Visitation:
LGBT couples have no legal right to visit a spouse in the hospital and can be barred from entering the room by medical personnel.

#0497: Estate Taxes:
LGBT couples cannot pass their estate to a spouse tax-free, which creates a huge tax burden that can result in the loss of a spouse's home or business.

#0544: Job Security:
In a majority of states, employees can be fired just for being gay, which can put a huge burden on any family's financial security.

#0608: Immigration:
LGBT are denied special consideration for the immigration of a spouse, often resulting in a painful seperation when a loved one is from a foreign country.

#0812: Property Taxes:
LGBT must pay property tax when transferring property between spouses.

#0904: Social Security:
LGBT are not eligible to receive a spouse's Social Security pension or many other government benefits.

#0945: Medical Decisions:
During a medical crisis, LGBT couples have no legal authority to make critical treatment decisions for their loved one.

#1121: Domestic Violence:
LGBT cannot ask for or receive domestic violence protection orders.