Re: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] southpark speaks the truth

[Mike Miller <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

On Thu, 4 Mar 2004, Michael wrote:

> In part, I think it's just habit. When you love someone you tend to want
> to marry them. It's socialized into us. I suppose it's the same
> regardless of sexual orientation. Of course some of it is just flag
> waving too.

Sure, but the *legal* issues are about money and rights for spouses.

Suppose you're gay and living with the same person for, say, 30 years.
Then he is in an accident and is in the hospital in a coma and you want to
visit.  Why should they let you visit?  Are you a relative?  No.  Sorry.
Besides, your partner's elderly mother is there and she has strictly
forbade the hospital to allow you to visit.  Now, if you were *married*
and not just living together, no one could prevent your visit.

Again, you're gay and living with the same guy for 10 years.  He loses his
job and has no health insurance.  You want him to have the benefit of your
family health insurance plan.  The insurer says 'no'.  If you were
marrried they would *have* to say yes because spouses are covered by the
plan.

Why should married men receive these kinds of benefits for their spouses
but partnered gay men do not receive them for their partners?  They're
doing the same work but the gay man is *effectively* paid less.  That is
unfortunate and a reason why many employers want to give benefits to
homosexual partners.  Gay men happen to be very good workers, often
unencumbered by children and bossy wives!  ;-)  That's partly a joke, but
it is true that gay men make good livings, on average.

Mike
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