Connecticut OKs gay marriage

The court's ruling made Connecticut the third state in the country, behind Massachusetts and California, to legalize gay marriage through the courts. What does this mean to us?
As you know, Jason and I have already entered into a civil union in CT on September 25, 2006. This allows us to be recognized by the state as legal partners and are guaranteed the same rights as married straight couples. But at the same time our union is not recognized by other states if we decided to move. 

Further more, the right to marry is not just about the actual legal ceremony, but an equal right to the extensive list of legal protections awarded to married couples. These benefits given to legally married couples range from tax relief to medical decisions and economic protection. We do have one benefit that isn't state or federally mandated, but is more of an option that makes a huge difference in our lives today. Pepsi offers us the benefit to cover Jason under our my medical coverage. But being able to see a doctor and me being by Jay's side if he was hospitilized is only valued in Connecticut. Civil unions and domestic partnerships may seem like equal unions, but the protections they give to registered couples is often far less than that of marriage. So, why do we need gay marriage and not just civil unions? Here are a few reasons specific to us:

Tax Relief:

• Marriage: Couples can file both federal and state tax returns jointly.
• Civil Unions: Couples can only file jointly in the state of civil registration.

Medical Decisions:

• Marriage: Partners can make emergency medical decisions.
• Civil Unions: Partners can only make medical decisions in the registered state. Partners may not be able to make decisions out of state.

Gifts:

• Marriage: Partners can transfer gifts to each other without tax penalty.
• Civil Unions: Partners do not pay state taxes, but are required to report federal taxes.

Death Benefits:

• Marriage: In the case of a partner's death, the spouse receives any earned Social Security or veteran benefits.
• Civil Unions: Partners do not receive Social Security or any other government benefits in case of death. In the case of the death of former Congressman Gerry Studds, his partner of 15 years was denied the government pension that would have gone to a legally recognized spouse.

The list could go further, but those are the most important benefits we recognize. You can search further for more info and learn more by visiting Love Makes a Family ( www.lmfct.com ).