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Civil unions aren't in your face enough. They MUST be recognized as "normal". That's the primary crux of it.
The true issues vary. Yes, a gay partner should have visiting rights in a hospital, and the ability to make medical decisions if there is a civil union in place. However, should a company be required to carry a gay partner on an insurance plan? Should their credit ratings be tied together like a married couple? Should they have to pay the marriage penalty in taxes? And if they split up (which fail at a much higher rate than heterosexual relationships), how do you split the assets? Who gets the kids if they're raised from birth in the same home?
Hospital Visitation Rights for Gay, Lesbian Partners Take Effect - ABC News
By DEVIN DWYER (@devindwyer)
Jan. 19, 2011
Patients at nearly every hospital in the country will now be allowed to decide who has visitation rights and who can make medical decisions on their behalf -- regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or family makeup -- under new federal regulations that took effect Tuesday.
The rules, which apply to hospitals participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, were first proposed by President Obama in an April memorandum and later implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services after a period of public review.
No marriage needed.
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