North (San Diego) County Times: California's practical take on gay marriag

[question everything]

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

California's practical take on gay marriage

By: North County Times - Editorial

Our view: In a victory for common sense, gay couples in California soon will have most of the legal protections and obligations of marriage, without the hot-potato religious and social implications of the actual union.

Assembly Bill 205, which was signed into law in 2003 by former Gov. Gray Davis, takes effect on Jan. 1 after a delay designed to give couples time to ponder the legal and financial implications. The law gives same-sex domestic partners the right to inherit property without a will and gives them legal standing to sue on behalf of a partner, among other rights.

Also affected are private companies that contract with the state; most of those offering health and retirement benefits to spouses will have to do the same for registered partners. Government workers already had such benefits. Thankfully, the new law does not add to the financial obligations of the majority of private companies, although many already extend partner benefits.

AB 205 also applies to unmarried, male-female couples, provided that one of the partners is 62 years or older. (Apparently some older couples remain unmarried to preserve some Social Security benefits, but wanted nearly the legal standing of marriage.) Couples who aspire to legal domestic partner status must register with the secretary of state.

Just like married couples, legally hitched domestic partners are liable for debts racked up by their significant others. And if they break up, a court must dissolve the union and settle disputes about community property. Alternately, if no children are involved, a split can be filed with the secretary of state's office.

More..

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/12/22/opinion/editorials/21_44_0012_21_04.txt

[Maat]

1. I'm happy we have got somewhere with human rights.

But, just as we have, Assemblyman Haynes(unfortunately, I believe he's my district rep.) is planning on introducing an amendment that not only would bar same-sex marriage, but would negate domestic partnership benefits, as well.

I wrote him an e-mail of protest, and I hope his lousy bigotry gets nowhere.

He's hoping we become the beacon of inclusiveness and fairness and justice of the Nation!

This is a BLUE state! Rethuglicans, go to another one!

Ma'at
From Sunny Southern California
Peace and Justice to All! Happy Winter Solstice! Happy Holidays!

[Catfight]

2. Good to see common sense being applied in the 21st century.

I'm rather appalled at the antiquated burn the witches ideology that has been prevalent lately in all media outlets and political pulpits. Finally, some rational thought is getting some exposure. I just can't believe these bigots have so much extra time on their hands to spew lies, hate and stupidity all day long. Not to mention there are bigger idiots willing to listen to them. Everyone knows at least one gay person, why would you want to harm anyone and oppress anyone to make yourself feel superior? It has nothing to do with religion, it has everything to do with fear. Americans are a bunch of wusses anymore, afraid of every little thing that Washington puts out these days, unbelievable.