This piece has really helped to clarify my thinking on why the LGBTQ community seeks marriage over domestic partnerships, even for heterosexuals. The idea of marriage IS universally recognized where domestic partnerships are NOT.
HT Michael Crawford at The Bilerico Project:
A domestic partnership law is the wrong place to start the discussion. Those who object to the state applying family law norms to same-sex relationships see it as a way to sneak gay marriage into the law books.
Those who support same-sex marriage view it as a less-than-equal legal status that does not carry one of the most important benefits of marriage - its universal recognition.
In a school, hospital or courthouse, everyone understands the family relationship of marriage and the rights that go with it. A new institution with an unfamiliar name would not have the same weight.
We support full marriage rights for same-sex couples because we
believe they are entitled to equal protection under the law. Marriage
is the best building block for stable, supportive families, and
families led by same-sex couples should have same legal rights and
obligations as those led by heterosexual couples.
Read the rest of the article here.
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