Gay Marriage: July 2008 Archives

I heard about this yesterday, and could hardly believe it. Basically, as far as the U.S. Census is concerned, gay couples who are married don't exist. Read more...

The Census Bureau says the federal Defense of Marriage Act bars the agency from recognizing gay marriages in the nation's 10-year count, even though the marriages are legal in Massachusetts and California.

The agency's director, Steven Murdock, said in an interview Thursday that the 1996 federal law "has that effect, in terms of being a federal agency. We are restricted by it."

The Census Bureau does not ask people about their sexual orientation, but it does ask about their relationships to the head of the household. Many gay couples are listed in census figures as unmarried, same-sex partners, though it is an imperfect tally of all gay couples.

Murdock said the bureau will strive to count same-sex couples in the 2010 census, just as it has in the past. But those people who say they are married will be reclassified as unmarried, same-sex partners.

Same-sex couples with no children will not be classified as families, according the bureau's policy. Those with children who are related to the head of the household will be classified as families. (source)

I remember putting down that we are "married". Yes I know, no one sees us that way. We are, to the law, state and federal, "legal strangers", but I said, screw it... I KNOW WHAT WE ARE. So I put down "married", and I listed Kent as my "spouse".

Now I find out that we didn't count. Not only that, gay couples who are really married by a state don't count. NICE.

Going off to a nice room somewhere and repeating 100 times, "I love my country. I do! I do! I do!"

"Let the people decide."

The slogan has a nice, democratic ring to it. Look for it on bumper stickers in the next few months, as a coalition of special interests asks you to vote "yes" on opening the state constitution to revisions. The coalition includes a conservative cross-section of groups opposed to gay marriage, abortion rights and high taxes.

The Constitution Convention Campaign wants to amend the state constitution to permit ballot initiatives, letting citizens make laws by referendum. Supporters say "initiative referenda," as they're called, would transfer power to average citizens from the handful of politicians who control the agenda in Hartford. And supporters insist it's not about a single issue (gay marriage) but a broad set of reforms. (source)

I never thought this would really happen in Connecticut... a referendum system of passing laws. Apparently, there are some who want that to happen. If we are honest with ourselves, their main goal is to stop what will happen eventually; marriage equality for gay couples. But if they manage to make this happen (big IF I think), they won't stop there. It will be a free for all on just about any issue.

Love Makes a Family has a campaign going on to sign a petition against this action. So go over to their web site and...