1,138 rights of marriage (Re: KS same-sex marriage vote)

[coda]

Voters will decide if same-sex couples should share in these legal privileges

1,138 rights of marriage

BY SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS
The Wichita Eagle

Sun, Mar. 20, 2005

Jerald and Jimalene Cales will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary next month. But ask the Winfield couple to name 10 rights, privileges or benefits they get because they're married, and there's a pause.

"Goodness, I don't know," Jimalene said, chuckling. "You mean I get something?"

Indeed.

A 2004 government report lists more than 1,000 laws that grant special rights to married couples. They range from tax benefits and property rights to decision-making power over medical procedures and burial arrangements.


<snip>


Supporters say the rights-and-incidents clause -- often referred to as "Part B" of the amendment -- is crucial and necessary.

"There was a lot of concern that Part A protect the name of marriage, but Part B was needed to protect the institution of marriage," said the Rev. Terry Fox, a Wichita pastor and leading amendment supporter.


<snip>


Opponents, meanwhile, say Part B pushes the amendment far beyond banning same-sex marriages. They say it calls into question legal contracts made by any resident -- heterosexual couples, single people, family members or friends -- that recreate rights reserved for married couples.




more....

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/11182582.htm

[Technowitch]

1. What's almost funny is how our opponents make our points for us

Or rather, it would be funny, if it wasn't so sad.

I don't give a flying f*** if the Roman Catholic Church (just to use one example) will or won't perform the ceremony.

What I and my same-sex wife want are those civil rights and responsibilities.

What's even sadder? There are plenty of religions that have NO problem calling what we have a 'real marriage'. Only my government denies us that recognition.

[blogbear]

2. Isn't It Strange How Some Groups of People Feel the Need to..

control and meddle in the personal lives, choices, and business of other people? It would be a 'cold day' before I would ask such a group to sanction anything much less perform a ceremony. You'd think everyone agreed with them when they go on and on about their never requested beliefs and views.

[Technowitch]

3. Indeed

What's more, if you ask them if others should control THEIR personal lives, choices, and business, they'd vehemently object.

This is the extent of my libertarian leanings: I just wish people could leave each other alone, to do as they will, provided it harms none.

Then again, that happens to be one of the basic tenets of my faith.

[blogbear]

4. I Hear You and Afterall..

It isn't like many of us aren't adults here which used to have some measured implications of being consenting adults at least in some 'private' areas of our personal lives and personal business..

[northzax]

5. um, it's actually 1137 now

didn't you hear? you don't have the right to made medical decisions anymore.