Same Sex Marriage
Terri Miller, Ed.D., a high school administrator, and Cindy Simms, a ceramic artist, make up one of many longtime gay and lesbian couples who offer a shining example of love and commitment as we fight for marriage equality. Together 35 years, they knew early on it was for keeps. Terri tells of the beginning of their relationship: "Cindy and I met when I was 25 and she was 22. She was a warm, personable and beautiful young woman. I was skinny and shy. We were attracted to each other immediately. After meeting and visiting each other for about a week in 1971… We knew we would be spending the rest of our lives together."
The couple has designated a durable power of attorney for health care and a living trust to afford each other some protection to their joint assets and properties as they approach their golden years. Without the protection that marriage affords, couples can be left to face the possibility that, in the unfortunate case of a tragedy, their loved one will be seen as complete strangers in the eyes of the law.
The Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships in the United States: A Social Science PerspectiveSeptember 2006Gregory M. Herek writes an up-to-date survey of social science research, and concludes that ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage would benefit the couples, their kids, and society; and that as the public has a chance to consider this evidence, support for marriage equality will continue to grow.
Marriage and "Backlash": The fight is worth it7/31/06Drawing on parallels from other civil rights chapters in American history, Prof. Carlos Ball concludes that the progress made in fighting for and winning the freedom to marry outweighs the costs and "backlash" gay families have endured, inherent in any social justice struggle.
The ACLU Freedom Files - Gay & Lesbian Rights Children separated from parents, loved ones left alone to battle illness, shared property seized by the state—these scenarios may sound like the stuff of nightmares, but they're all too real for gay and lesbian families.
"Gay & Lesbian Rights" introduces you to people who are doing their best to lead ordinary lives but must fight for the rights that most Americans take for granted.
Alvin and Nigel are in the process of adopting three children from the foster care system. Because adoption law in Maryland says they both can't adopt at the same time, Alvin currently has no parental rights--and worries that he would lose the children if something were to happen to Nigel.
While Carol was ill with cancer, she and Heather had to fend off constant challenges from hospital employees about their relationship. After that, they decided to get a medical power of attorney and other legal documentation, but Heather still had to defend her right to be at her partner's side during a recent incident.
After Sam, an Oklahoma rancher, lost his longtime companion, Earl, he lost the ranch they'd shared for 23 years to distant cousins of Earl's because the state won't recognize their relationship.
This episode of The ACLU Freedom Files--which includes humorous takes on heavy issues by comedians Judy Gold and Margaret Cho--shows the harm that occurs when loving couples' relationships aren't recognized.
ABOUT THE TV SERIES The ACLU Freedom Files is a 10-part series that strips away the sound bites to reveal how civil liberties affect real people. It features real clients and the attorneys who represent them. By combining real stories and dynamic storytelling the series creates a powerful emotional effect that will motivate viewers to action. Other episodes explore issues such as the Patriot Act, Dissent, Religious Freedom and Voting Rights.
"Gay & Lesbian Rights" airs on Link TV (DIRECTV ch. 375/Dish ch. 9410) April 13 and Court TV April 15. For video footage, DVD ordering and details on TV broadcasts, go to www.aclu.tv
The couple has designated a durable power of attorney for health care and a living trust to afford each other some protection to their joint assets and properties as they approach their golden years. Without the protection that marriage affords, couples can be left to face the possibility that, in the unfortunate case of a tragedy, their loved one will be seen as complete strangers in the eyes of the law.
The Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships in the United States: A Social Science PerspectiveSeptember 2006Gregory M. Herek writes an up-to-date survey of social science research, and concludes that ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage would benefit the couples, their kids, and society; and that as the public has a chance to consider this evidence, support for marriage equality will continue to grow.
Marriage and "Backlash": The fight is worth it7/31/06Drawing on parallels from other civil rights chapters in American history, Prof. Carlos Ball concludes that the progress made in fighting for and winning the freedom to marry outweighs the costs and "backlash" gay families have endured, inherent in any social justice struggle.
The ACLU Freedom Files - Gay & Lesbian Rights Children separated from parents, loved ones left alone to battle illness, shared property seized by the state—these scenarios may sound like the stuff of nightmares, but they're all too real for gay and lesbian families.
"Gay & Lesbian Rights" introduces you to people who are doing their best to lead ordinary lives but must fight for the rights that most Americans take for granted.
Alvin and Nigel are in the process of adopting three children from the foster care system. Because adoption law in Maryland says they both can't adopt at the same time, Alvin currently has no parental rights--and worries that he would lose the children if something were to happen to Nigel.
While Carol was ill with cancer, she and Heather had to fend off constant challenges from hospital employees about their relationship. After that, they decided to get a medical power of attorney and other legal documentation, but Heather still had to defend her right to be at her partner's side during a recent incident.
After Sam, an Oklahoma rancher, lost his longtime companion, Earl, he lost the ranch they'd shared for 23 years to distant cousins of Earl's because the state won't recognize their relationship.
This episode of The ACLU Freedom Files--which includes humorous takes on heavy issues by comedians Judy Gold and Margaret Cho--shows the harm that occurs when loving couples' relationships aren't recognized.
ABOUT THE TV SERIES The ACLU Freedom Files is a 10-part series that strips away the sound bites to reveal how civil liberties affect real people. It features real clients and the attorneys who represent them. By combining real stories and dynamic storytelling the series creates a powerful emotional effect that will motivate viewers to action. Other episodes explore issues such as the Patriot Act, Dissent, Religious Freedom and Voting Rights.
"Gay & Lesbian Rights" airs on Link TV (DIRECTV ch. 375/Dish ch. 9410) April 13 and Court TV April 15. For video footage, DVD ordering and details on TV broadcasts, go to www.aclu.tv
1 comment:
To make public our private marriage of 36 years, Cindy and I were married June 21, 2006 in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
It was beautiful to say publicly and legally my commitment to the love of my life.
Terri
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