They may be identical in the state, but they're not identical to straight marriages in VT. Same with the marriages in Mass. While gay couples can be married, they still do not inherit social security, nor can they file joint taxes, etc. If as straight couple gets married in VT, then moves, their marriage is recognised. If a straight couple gets married in Mass., and moves to another state, their marriage is not valid in the other state.
It's great to have some protections, but it's not identical to marriage in every way. I expect that it will be, eventually, but for now, it's seperate, and not equal.
That's true, the courts aren't very sympathetic right now. I think though, that the tide is turning, and in order appease the American people, that equal marriage rights will be extended to gay couples in the next decade. More and more people are supporting it, and fewer and fewer people are supporting Georgieboy.
In reaction to the "activist judges" in MA, states like Virginia are legislating state constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriages AND civil unions.
you can file jointly on the state taxes, but not federal. In MA, some couples were having problems because their state law says that you need to file the same way for both state and federal taxes, but since gay marriage isn't recognised on a federal level, that meant filing joint on state and single on federal violated state law.
I think that's one of the issues that comes up when we do the seperate but equal thing...it just doesn't work across the board, there are too many areas where it just breaks down.
All you said is true but I'm still counting my blessings...at least we have 1 state with gay marriage, for now...and multiple states considering civil unions. It wasn't long when that wasn't even considered. Like you said in other posts...they'll come around. :-)
I think you’re more positive and I’m a more of a pessimist in regards to timing. I don’t see the poles giving G.W high marks but I do think majority of American, right now, don’t give a hoot about gay rights. Sure, there’s lips services and public announcements by anyone that have a camera pointed in their face for political correctness, but when it come to actually passing laws, no one’s running to the floor to vote. If the members of Congress suppose to reflects their states…let just say I’m still a pessimist.
I don't know about VT but in MA, we do have the right to file a Joint return and get state tax credits and deductions as any married couples. Stay tune for the Fed returns. Just don't hold your breath.
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They may be identical in the state, but they're not identical to straight marriages in VT. Same with the marriages in Mass. While gay couples can be married, they still do not inherit social security, nor can they file joint taxes, etc. If as straight couple gets married in VT, then moves, their marriage is recognised. If a straight couple gets married in Mass., and moves to another state, their marriage is not valid in the other state.
It's great to have some protections, but it's not identical to marriage in every way. I expect that it will be, eventually, but for now, it's seperate, and not equal.
I think though, that the tide is turning, and in order appease the American people, that equal marriage rights will be extended to gay couples in the next decade. More and more people are supporting it, and fewer and fewer people are supporting Georgieboy.
Kim
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I agree that the backlash of states hurrying to enact laws to give us no rights at all is really scary.
you can file jointly on the state taxes, but not federal.
In MA, some couples were having problems because their state law says that you need to file the same way for both state and federal taxes, but since gay marriage isn't recognised on a federal level, that meant filing joint on state and single on federal violated state law.
I think that's one of the issues that comes up when we do the seperate but equal thing...it just doesn't work across the board, there are too many areas where it just breaks down.
I wonder how we can transplant some of our activist judges to VA….Wonder if Karl R will think of something to that end.
I think you’re more positive and I’m a more of a pessimist in regards to timing. I don’t see the poles giving G.W high marks but I do think majority of American, right now, don’t give a hoot about gay rights. Sure, there’s lips services and public announcements by anyone that have a camera pointed in their face for political correctness, but when it come to actually passing laws, no one’s running to the floor to vote. If the members of Congress suppose to reflects their states…let just say I’m still a pessimist.
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