Originally posted by Edwina's Secretary

Does a homosexual couple enjoy the sames rights as a married heterosexual couple? NO. I am married. If I or my husband becomes incapacitated we have the right to visit each other in the hospital, make decisions about the care of each other. A gay couple does not.

My husband and I file a joint tax return and enjoy tax benefits as a result.

Our employers can offer us spousal coverage on medical, dental, etc. benefits. IF an employer offers such coverage to the partner of a gay employee, it is taxable income to the employee.

If I or my husband die without a will, there are rules that govern the estate and enable us to inherit with minimal effort. Not so if we were not married.
This is the reason I belive they should be alowed to marry.

I have some friends, life partners for 22 years, when one them was shot in the line of duty (law officer) my friend was left with nothing for her 22 years of faithfull love. She had no rights at the hospital, they had to wait till family members flew in. There was no benefits for her, that other officers spouses recive. For 22 year she was rewarded with nothing, but the lose of her loved one. It was so hard to watch her go through this, she loved Sue as I love my husband and who's to say that she doesn't deserve the same rights, I or my husband have if one of us passed. Just because they where both female does not take away from their bond or thier 22 years as partners.

Intill I went through this with her, I would have said "Whats the big deal, just live toghter and be happy no piece of paper can make a difference" Boy was I wrong back then, that little piece of paper would have made a big difference in their lifes.