Simple, Basic Rights
By Miriam, Vancouver, Wash.
Shelley and I have been together for more than four years. We were "legally" married in the state of Oregon for a short period of time in 2004. But because our marriage is no longer considered a legal binding contract, we are not afforded the same rights afforded all married heterosexual couples. [Editor's note: For six weeks in Spring 2004, officials in Multnomah County, Ore., issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The Oregon Supreme Court invalidated these licenses in 2005.]
In the past year, Shelley and I have both undergone major surgical procedures, but because we are not allowed to utilize the Family and Medical Leave Act, we have both struggled with obtaining time off from work to care for each other.
When Shelley underwent surgery, I asked my boss if I could take the day off to drive her to the hospital and wait while she had surgery. His response was, "Doesn't she have friends or a neighbor who can take her?" I had to argue the fact that she was my partner and I considered her my family, and therefore expected the same rights that were afforded the other married couples in the office. He reluctantly allowed me the time off, mainly because he didn't feel like a lawsuit.
If same-sex couples were afforded the same rights that heterosexual couples take for granted, we wouldn't have to worry about taking time off from work to care for a loved one! We are asking for simple, basic rights that are afforded to all citizens of the United States.
I can't wait for the day when equal rights will be had by all Americans.
Sept. 5, 2006