05-31-2012, 01:57 PM
Tolerance and acceptance of diverity goes both ways, I agree. And, I don't think that calling heterosexuals who oppose gay marriage (or with whom one doesn't see eye to eye on any issue) a fag, or a lesbian, or any gay reference lines up with advocating for gay equality. Happens all the time though on-line, so meh...
For those of us who support gay marriage rights and equal benefits, a step forward today. This morning, a Federal Circuit Court in Boston ruled that same sex couples married in a state which legally recognizes the marriage are entitled to the same Federal benefits afforded to heterosexual spouses, primarily : tax, health and pension benefits. While there are only a handful of states that recognize gay marriage at present, this is an important ruling in terms of achieving true equality, imo. It sets a positive precedent for future states that ultimately legalize same sex marriage.
The court did not address whether or not the same sex spouses would be entitled to those Federal benefits if they were to move to a state that does not recognize same sex marriage. Some tricky logistics and conflicts when it comes to states' rights in deciding whether to recognize same sex marriage and Federal benefits for married couples. The judges indicated that this issue might need to be decided by the Supreme Court.
For those of us who support gay marriage rights and equal benefits, a step forward today. This morning, a Federal Circuit Court in Boston ruled that same sex couples married in a state which legally recognizes the marriage are entitled to the same Federal benefits afforded to heterosexual spouses, primarily : tax, health and pension benefits. While there are only a handful of states that recognize gay marriage at present, this is an important ruling in terms of achieving true equality, imo. It sets a positive precedent for future states that ultimately legalize same sex marriage.
The court did not address whether or not the same sex spouses would be entitled to those Federal benefits if they were to move to a state that does not recognize same sex marriage. Some tricky logistics and conflicts when it comes to states' rights in deciding whether to recognize same sex marriage and Federal benefits for married couples. The judges indicated that this issue might need to be decided by the Supreme Court.