I have compiled a list outlining the various laws concerning same-sex marriage in each of the states. This data underscores why we do not need a federal constituional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Marriage has long been an issue left to the states.
Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004 and is so far the only state to do so. In other words, homosexual marriages are treated the same as heterosexual marriages.
The following states recognize domestic partnerships and benefits for same-sex couples: California, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, & Washington.
Only two states recognize civil unions for same-sex couples: Vermont & Connecticut.
The following states prohibit same-sex marriage by law: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Deleware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The following states prohibit same-sex marriage by constitutional amendment: Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah.
As you can see, a majority of states have already placed limits on same-sex marriage. And indeed it is their right as individual states in our federalist society. So again, there is no need for a federal constitutional amendment--whether or not you are in favor of gay marriage.
The city of Minneapolis recongnized domestic partnership and has an ordinance that requires hospitals to let domestic partners visitation.
I'm not sure Minneapolis has the authority to do that. The hospital thing they do, but not the domestic partnership recognition.
The domestic partnership recognition is a photo copied piece of paper, not witnessed or notarized, but it will get you in the door of most hospitals, depending on whether or not the staff feels like recognizing the document.
So, yeah, not exactly equal.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Wow. I thought there was more, like California, NY, Florida... I'm surprised they don't legalize it, oh well... I'm not for it anyways.
I would suggest that you review the precedents of our Supreme Court that clearly define the freedom to marry as a basic civil right that is protected on a federal level due to the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. You especially need to read the case of Loving v. Virginia (1967), which specifically established the federal nature of this fundamental right.
percivale
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