fieldofdepth

I just got this email from one of the volunteers who was at the '"activist boot camp" in San Luis Obispo with me last month. It's really good and I thought you all might like to read it. She is an older lady, probably in her 50's and her partner died from cancer last year.


Hi Friends
An issue that affects my partner and I and many of you is coming to the next election cycle via a proposition - probably this next June. You may not be aware but currently California has some darn good domestic partnership laws. They allow Claire and I to be equally responsible and equally protected by about 300 California laws, just as if we were married. So for example, we can visit one another in the hospital, be responsible for one another's debts, have some property rights protected after the death of the partner.

Unfortunately other laws don't protect us the same as married people - like having one's property reassesed upon the death of one's partner, and or paying inheritance tax on the home you've bought together! I know one couple facing this very quickly. After 35 years together the one dying from cancer may actually face the easier route as their home they purchased together for $170,000 in 1994 is now supposedly valued at $650,000. The increase in property tax alone will cause the remaining partner to have to move and leave their home. That is one of 100s of laws that penalize us for not being born "straight" and having the freedom to marry.

Actually there are over 1300 federal and state laws that give benefits to married persons but not to same sex couples. It seems the term "civil marriage" means civil rights and protections. Claire and I pay approximately $10,000 more per year in taxes because we cannot marry. It is horrible treatment, but those approximate 1,300 laws in our state and federal government require the term civil marriage to apply to the couple. SInce opposite sex couples can legally marry - they get the perks, even if they've been together just one day.

As you know the term "Gay Mariiage" causes lots of emotions, especially by certain religious sects. Yet being allowed to have "civil marriage" is the only way these existing laws will ever protect us. This isn't about religion. People who feel we are abominations and doomed to hell will still feel this way. They don't need to let us in their churches or hold marriage ceremonies for us. I am sure none of us would want to enter such places of fear and hate. However, these people are backing the initiative and teh media campaigns.

This next June, a proposition will not only demand the Constitution in California be permanently amended to have marriage mean "one man, one woman", but they also are demanding the over-turn of our current domestic partnership rights. I've previewed the TV commercials and they make me cry. They paint a picture that if we are allowed to marry - civilization will fail and America will perish. However if their law passes all will be well for eternity.

I'm writing to give you a heads up as well as ask you to open your minds and hearts to those of us who are gay and who deserve the freedom to marry and be protected by all laws in this state and country. Most of us are contributing members in our communities - just like our straight friends. We deserve equal treatment in taxation and in all civil rights.

I am always open to your comments and suggestions. We need the understanding and support of our straight friends and relatives in order to hold on to the rights we have today.