A proposal for those who tell gay people to "just wait" on equality

[Brian_Expat]

I hear it a lot. And it is a fair request if you. . .

1) Immediately legally divorce your spouse and sign a document renouncing your right to visit him/her in the hospital, make medical decisions, inherit assets by default, and refuse to testify against him/her.

2) Legally renounce your claim to your children. Ensure that under the law you're a stranger to your children.

3) Legally renounce all social security, federal and state spousal benefits.

4) Legally renounce all spousal death insurance and all employer health coverage from your former spouse, if your spouse's employer doesn't offer DP benefits.

5) Cease referring to your spouse as your "husband" or "wife." Call that person your "boyfriend" or "girlfriend."

Also, ensure that you don't remarry and "unrenounce" all those benefits until after gays get marriage equality.

Then, you'll have sorta, kinda almost as bad a situation legally as the average gay couple in the USA has. Make sure not to get too upset or agitated when people tell you to "just wait" or decry you for being "selfish" when you complain about your situation.

Refuse to grit your teeth when a teacher won't meet with you about your child's progress in school since you're not legally a parent.

Try not to let others' comments about you get under your skin.

Take Nitol when you cannot sleep because you worry about how your partner is going to make ends meet if you die and (s)he cannot pay inheritance taxes on your mortgage equity.

Laugh and accept that, for the good of the country, you're not really legally a family and shouldn't be, since there are more important priorities.

Then, you can come back and legitimately make your arguments about "we should wait."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. You shouldn't wait

people who want to make a loving commitment to each other should be allowed to do so.

[SheilaT]

2. When I hear that gay people need to wait,

I'm reminded of that same argument being used during the Civil Rights era. It's only been a century since the Civil War, the reasoning went, what's their hurry? I remember being offended then, and I'm offended now by that sentiment.

[kayell]

3. No one ever achieved justice by being patient

and waiting for someone to "give" them their rights. Thank you. Maybe this will make a few more people think about our reality.

[Palacsinta]

4. Just had this argument with my sister..........

who wants the Dems to 'wait' just to ensure Bush is not elected. Should we stuff everyone back in the closet (including her son and my foster daughter) and tell them to hold their breath until the coast is clear? The time is now! I don't think I can stand another year/month/day in which I enjoy the benefits and protection of our laws and my daughter does not!!!

[The Zanti Regent]

5. My Wife and I head this same garbage back in the 60s

I am white and my wife is black.

We heard the same garbage back in the 60s and 70s from those who would outlaw our marriage and deny our love for each other.

NOBODY has the right to deny ANYONE their right to live the life they choose.

there is NO REASON why Gays and Lesbians should not have the same rights that I and my wife have, and NO DEMOGAGUE has the right to deny them equal protection under the law.

Besides, those who bitch, moan and piss the most about Gays and Lesbians tend to hide in the closet (AND THAT INCLUDES YOU, RICK PERRY!)

[Brewman_Jax]

6. Civil rights for all diminishes none

I can't make it any more to the point than this.