It’s rumored that this idiot is thinking of running for higher office. Oh Joy.
Look people. Separate but equal has never worked. It didn’t work with segregation, it doesn’t work with our schools, it doesn’t work in our sports programs. Once you create a class of people that is an “other” you have made their rights subject to government opinion, cultural bias and erosion.
We have an institution in place that has worked historically, called marriage. There is no reason that gender should keep consenting adults from engaging in it, regardless of their gender.
Plus, there is a flat out economic price. First, without there being national standards, rights will be variable. Should a partner have to worry about travel plans based on that state’s view on civil unions? Should gay people have to engage lawyers in a way to build assets, seek financial counseling and establish the most ironclad wills to keep family interference away? I didn’t have to do that when I got married, why should they?
Also, I had my other half as a domestic partner this year. I got nailed with a little line item called “imputed income.” Basically, I’ll be taxed on the x amount of additional dollars used for his health benefits, because it is seen as an extra benefit. Once I changed him to husband, they removed the imputed income. That’s ridiculous and a financial burden for many. (Technically, they’re still taking the money away. You try to deal with HR in a company this size. Twenty minutes just to get to a person. Damn outsourcing)
Anyway, let’s all just lay down our arms and get along and establish equality in America. It’s not really that hard.