This contentious issue may have helped decide the last two Presidential elections, largely due to the craven political calculations of Karl Rove. The issue hasn't been pushed as hard this time around, but we still have a ways to go.
One of the few cogent arguments offered by conservatives, was that gay couples can already get all the benefits of marriage through legal documents and contracts. This is not true. Some can, but many can not. Filing federal taxes, and tax exemptions are not covered, for example.
The following story is the most compelling argument for same-sex marriage I can think of. Read this excerpt, and read on to the full story, then tell me same-sex couples are looking for "special rights."
[Excerpt]
Battle Between Gay Man & Sick Partner's Family Highlights Lack Of Same-Sex Couple Rights
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
(Indianapolis, Indiana) For a quarter century Patrick Atkins and Brett Conrad shared their lives including a home and bank accounts but when Atkins fell near fatally ill Conrad discovered he had no rights in determining the care or who would deliver it to his ailing partner.
In 2005 Atkins collapsed while on a business trip to Atlanta. He had a ruptured aneurysm and later suffered a stroke while hospitalized.
When Conrad arrived in Atlanta Atkins' family directed the hospital to refuse him access to the ailing 47-year old, the Indianapolis Star reports. He was allowed by sympathetic hospital staff to sneak in after hours and after Atkins parents had left. . .
Read on at: 365Gay.com
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