Comments on: Gay Marriage in N.Y.: How Everyone Benefits

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:49:38 +0000

Question: if a gay couple marry in a state that recognizes gay marriages if one of the partners is not a legal resident will the marriage allow for the partner that is not legal the right to apply for permanent residence?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:05:47 +0000

While it is a mouthful, it is a more accurate statement to say that this law provides legal access to the right to marry for same-sex couples. In my mind, at its very core is the word “right” – that is the crux of the matter . In our culture, marriage affords couples certain legal rights, once they become legally married. From my perspective, marriage is the legal vehicle and framework in which same-sex couples can experience, protect and exercise those rights afforded married opposite-sex couples. In other words, it’s not so much about the legally and socially recognized institution of marriage as it is about the rights afforded to couples once they are married (ie: the protection and recognition of the marriage union, both socially and legally).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:11:37 +0000

I could never fathom how allowing two people who love each other, regardless of gender, the right to marry hurt anyone or how it could damage traditional marriage. It is easier to see where opening marriage to same sex couples can benefit others. For example, it encourages companies like Southern Company to extend benefits to all couples that some opposite sex partners may not have previously had. It erases some of the artificial barriers governments, businesses and organizations have put up between the traditionally married couples and couples who don’t fit that mold, making it easier for them to adopt, to have a voice in the care of a badly injured or seriously ill partner, to benefit from laws like FMLA. After all, if (even) same sex couples can get these benefits, then it makes no sense to withhold them from anyone else.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:03:31 +0000

I agree with F Alvatorre, I do not see how gay marriage benefits everyone… I would like to know since it would be one more way to articulate our support for equal access. Now only if the Feds would recognize my partner’s right to collect my social security benefits. That is a significant benefit not on the table, but would put our partners on par with other opposite sex couples.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:26:07 +0000

“Marriage between same-sex couples” is a much more accurate description than
“Gay Marriage.” There is no “gay marriage.” There is only “marriage.”

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:39:32 +0000

Dear Mrs. Frankel, Thanks for inviting me to read your article since it is very informative. However, in my opinion the article failed to answer how we all benefit from having gay marriage in New York. The gay and lesbian community deserves moral respect and enjoy the legal structure the same as everyone else in the state of New York and your article is just one sided. Next time may be, your approach can be more true to its purpose presented by its title. Regards, F Alvatorre

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:32:05 +0000

Dear Barbara: It would be great if Diversity Inc would make an editorial decision never to use the phrase “gay marriage” again. There is no such thing. There are states, including my home state of Massachusetts, that provide equal access to marriage for same-sex couples. The marriage we have equal access to is just that – marriage – the same marriage as everyone else. That is, after all, the point. The phrase “gay marriage” makes it sound as if same-sex couples are getting some new kind of marriage. I think media should use “same-sex marriage” if there is a need for a short phrase – but better still – use “Equal access to marriage for same-sex couples” says accurately what the New York law is all about.

Thanks,