One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

As our country continues to be divided about extending equal rights to its gay citizens, individual states are attempting to figure out where they stand on the issue. As one state progresses forward, another sinks deeper into the abyss of the dark ages.

Oregon was the latest to offer some type of protection for its gay community. The state finally extended a domestic partnership law after it was held up in court for a short period of time. Just this Monday, same-sex couples were able to legally apply for domestic partnership. This move provides gay couples with many of the responsibilities and benefits of marriage, but not all.

How can anyone reconcile that in their hearts and in their heads? Yes, it's a step in the right direction but the new law does not treat gay people as equal. Why only provide for some of the duties and protections of marriage, and not all? The mind-set in that logic is blatantly discriminatory.

Meanwhile, New York's appellate court decided it must recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages as equal to its recognition of heterosexual marriages. A court challenge, by a Canadian lesbian couple, led to this ruling. The lawsuit began when one of the women was denied health care benefits by her partner's employer. Because the two had entered into a civil union in the state of Vermont many years earlier, the court ruled they must be treated as any married couple.

The New York Times reported that the court concluded that gay marriages meet the state's "marriage recognition rule". The court said, “In our view, the Court of Appeals thereby indicated that the recognition of plaintiff’s marriage is not against the public policy of New York.”

Again this is a step in the right direction, but when and how does this ruling begin to apply to the other thousands of gay couples in the state? Of all states, New York has been slow to move on this issue; in the greater context of things this doesn't make too much sense. I'm confident, however, that it will only be a matter of time until the state makes things right, but it should have led the movement, not followed.

And now, as I've pointed out several times recently, Florida is on the verge of going in the opposite direction. This November the state will vote on whether to ban all forms of gay marriages and unions. The gay community needs its state representatives to lead on this issue. It has been rumored that Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, is against this proposed measure. If that is the case, then will he stand up for us? He is a very popular Governor with about 70% approval. He and others should speak out against the proposed amendment.

It can be defeated but only if we work to defeat it. The most important thing you can do as a Florida voter is to VOTE! And, don't forget to spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors.

You can also join the fight by checking out and joining these organizations: Fairness For All Families, Equality Florida, and Human Rights Campaign Fund