This use to be my position on the subject of gay marriage until I got close to my homies mother's (Lesbian Couple), they've been together for 15 years+, own property and are law abiding citizens who pay their taxes. On top of that they've raised 3 educated, coherent heterosexual children who are all contributing to society.
What really moved me was the fact that, one of the women went into cardiac arrest during surgery (she was getting a stem put into her heart) and the doctors concluded that if they were to proceed with the surgery that it could result in even more serious complications that could be fatal.
Her partner, a person she's been with for over 15 years couldn't make this decision because she wasn't her legal spouse? The ward of the hospital told her that the next to kin which is the oldest child they raised who's serving in Afghanistan had the legal authority to make that decision and that she did not. If she wanted authority to make that decision she would have to get a POA thru a series of lawyers. Now yes, was it irresponsible of them to not already have that set up? Absolutely but if they were legally married that family would have never had to go thru that. THIS IS IN TEXAS, THE REDDEST STATE IN AMERICA.
But thank god they got through to my homies older brother through red cross..