tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481062067081636317.post3875074615168834853..comments2023-05-12T10:30:55.422-05:00Comments on THE Milwaukee Blog: UW regents vote to oppose ban on gay marriageUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481062067081636317.post-47315254485215248482006-10-12T15:25:00.000-05:002006-10-12T15:25:00.000-05:00A few months ago, after helping a friend change a ...A few months ago, after helping a friend change a tire, we were putting items back in his trunk when I saw a file of legal papers he kept. I understood instantly the files were there in the case he or his partner were involved in a medical situation on the road which required a hospital or doctor to be aware that this couple could and wanted to make decisions for each other in emergencies. Included in this file I saw were hospital visitation authorizations, living wills, directives to attending physicians, powers of attorney forms for both health care and finance that were notarized and signed by a raft of people. Additionally, there were forms for declaration of domestic partner status; a non-binding legal agreement to support the other documents claiming that the one had the right to assist the other in any situation. All of the forms were in duplicate and reciprocal, and must have cost a fair amount in attorney’s fees.<br /><br />That is the reality of being gay in America in 2006. To ensure that basic rights and dignities are afforded gay couples, they must carry expensive legal documents with them–and then even some of those documents may not be honored, and they are to expect that. How many straight couples have you talked with that need and require the same such paperwork in the case of an accident? How many expect in advance that their wishes may or may not be honored in a time of crisis?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481062067081636317.post-32427950422914515662006-10-09T13:08:00.000-05:002006-10-09T13:08:00.000-05:00New York City) The frontrunner in the race for New...New York City) The frontrunner in the race for New York State governor drew thunderous applause and a standing ovation Thursday night as he declared same-sex marriage a civil right.<br /><br />Elliot Spitzer has been a longtime supporter of equal marriage and has voiced that support throughout the campaign, but in his speech to about 1,000 people at the Empire State Pride Agenda's annual dinner Thursday he went further suggesting he would author legislation and send it to the Legislature if he is elected in November.<br /><br />"No New Yorker should be deprived of the right to marry the person of their choice, regardless of gender," the Democrat who is currently Attorney General said.<br /><br />"This is not about forcing any religion to perform or recognize gay marriage. It's simply about permitting gay and lesbian couples the right to live in stable, long-term married relationships." <br /><br />It brought the crowd, that included a large number of state and local lawmakers, to their feet.<br /><br />Spitzer also said that the rights of churches which do not support same-sex marriage must be protected.<br /><br />"We must protect the rights of people of faith and their institutions," he said. "If I'm elected next month, I will make sure the government does not infringe on religious choice and practice. This, too, is a sacred civil right - part of the pantheon of values that define and protects all civil rights."<br /><br />That he will be elected is virtually assured. Spitzer enjoys a 50-point lead over his Republican opponent, John Faso. Faso opposes same-sex marriage but has said he would support domestic partner law.<br /><br />In July the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, ruled that same-sex couples do not have a constitutional right to marry. (story) It said that the issue, however, could be taken up by the Legislature.<br /><br />Bills coming before the Legislature are usually penned by members of the Assembly or the Senate, but in New York governor's regularly write their own legislation, called Program Bills which are then filed by members.<br /><br />Democrats control the Assembly in Albany but Republicans have a firm grip on the Senate, something that is unlikely to change next month.<br /><br />Just prior to Thursday night's speech by Spitzer, Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith (D-Queens) announced his support for equal marriage legislation.<br /><br />US Senator Russ Feingold also addressed the Pride Agenda dinner, voicing his support for gay marriage. The Wisconsin Democrat is one of four US Senators who have come out for gay marriage. The others are Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), and Lincoln Chafee (R-Rhode Island).<br /><br />©365Gay.com 2006Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com