Colorado's Domestic Partnerships and the illogical argument against it.

[Democrats_win]

The Domestic Partnership is on Colorado's ballot (amendment i)

"Creates a new legal relationship, called a domestic partnership, providing same-sex couples the opportunity to obtain the legal protections and responsibilities granted to married couples by Colorado law."

http://www.vote-smart.org/election_ballot_measures_detail.php?ballot_id=M000001395

Those favoring amendment i point out that if it fails, gay partners will continue to be denied visitation rights to their hospitalized partners. Gay DUers understand the Catch-22: you aren't immediate family so you can't visit your sick partner. Yet, the law denies gay couples the opportunity to become immediate family.

Those who oppose amendment i point out that gay couples can write a contract that allows their partners to visit them in the hospital. The thing they don't recognize is that gay couples shouldn't have to consult a lawyer and pay those fees to receive the rights that heterosexual couples take for granted. No American should be a second-class citizen yet discrimination against gays is institutionalized. Amendment i attempts to remove this discrimination, correcting a wrong.

[xchrom]

1. we are equal. period.

[eleny]

2. From what I've learned....

Even when gay couples have the legal papers in order and filed, some have had problems when they need to enforce their rights. Families may try to stand in the way of visitation in hospitals and the hospital goes along with the impediments. The only way to ensure equal rights at all times is to make gay marriage legal nationwide.

Btw, when we got married decades ago, it cost hubby and I for license and ceremony. We didn't have the big wedding. Got married in Reno just the two of us. I'm just guessing but I think the fees aren't the big thing as our costs were probably a few hundred dollars even back then.

The way I see it, the issue is that marriage is a civil right. America doesn't fulfill its promise until we all enjoy the same rights. :pals:

[HockeyMom]

3. Speaking of Hospital Visitation

When my Dad was in Intensive Care Unit, the hospital wouldn't let my husband in to see him. The said "immediate family only", that is, spouses and blood relatives.

Can you believe that one? My Mom and I had to create such a stink at the hospital before they finally let him in. And by the way, it was my DAD who specifically asked to see my husband.

So I can fully understand how gay couples would have problems with this one.

[eleny]

5. Good grief

When my mom had a stroke and had a few days to live, hubby and I literally moved ito her room for three days (In Denver, CO). And when his mom was in intensive care (in Queens, NYC), we both went every day, any time, and stayed as long as we wanted. It just goes to show how some people in authority such as in your area are making up their own laws on the spot.

Civil rights can't be local or things can get muddy.

[The Brethren]

4. I agree, we shouldn't have to pay

additional fees for consultation, etc. to have even some of the rights afforded to straight couples. Another issue around not having equal rights for gay marriages, is that even if we consult with a lawyer and sign all the correct papers, it still doesn't guarantee that it will be honored if one of us becomes ill, injured or worse outside of our state. We should also keep reviewing our contracts on at least a yrly basis to make sure they are up dated with new laws -- which seem to be changing constantly on this issue. This also brings up spending even more time and money on this.

Unless we are given equal marriage rights, we will either have to settle for whatever contracts we are allowed within our state at any given time, or we do nothing and hope for the best.