[kurto]

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But again... the tax breaks is not really the driving motivator of gay marriage.

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I absolutely agree with you. But the entire point of OP's post is to say that it's unfair that gay couples can't get the same tax breaks as hetero couples.

Which is it? Are you arguing for the recognition of gay couples as "married" (to which I would say, how shallow are you that you'd give a [censored] what other people think?) or do you just want domestic partners to enjoy the small tax benefits?

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I'm not rereading the entire thread so I can't say whose point I'm agreeing with since these threads have so many tangents.

Here's what I'm saying-
I believe gays should have the right to marry the same as I do.
It was my impression that someone was arguing against gay marriage because they didn't think gays deserved the same taxbreaks.
I think taxbreaks are just one of many benefits (and responsibilities) that come with being married. I think its false to think that the taxbreaks is the primary reason that gays want to marry (it is just one of many benefits) NOR do I think its the primary objection of most people who oppose it.

That being said, I do think married gay couples should get the same benefits as straight couples. If I get a tax break merely for making a lifelong commitment to my spouse, then so should a gay couple.

Regarding children- if I don't have any children, I get less of a tax deduction then someone with more dependents. This would apply equally to married gays.

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Are you arguing for the recognition of gay couples as "married" (to which I would say, how shallow are you that you'd give a [censored] what other people think?)

[/ QUOTE ] Let me get this straight... gay couples are asking for the right to be married the same as I... and if I agree with treating them equally, you think I'm shallow? That is the oddest backwards insult I've ever heard. Congrats on that one.

And on occasion I do give a *%*$*% what other people think and feel . Its called empathy.

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or do you just want domestic partners to enjoy the small tax benefits?

[/ QUOTE ] Once again, tax benefits are just one of many benefits are responsibilities of marriage. I just pulled this off a website from some lawyers office:
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Tax Benefits
Filing joint income tax returns with the IRS and state taxing authorities.
Creating a "family partnership" under federal tax laws, which allows you to divide business income among family members.
Estate Planning Benefits
Inheriting a share of your spouse's estate.
Receiving an exemption from both estate taxes and gift taxes for all property you give or leave to your spouse.
Creating life estate trusts that are restricted to married couples, including QTIP trusts, QDOT trusts, and marital deduction trusts.
Obtaining priority if a conservator needs to be appointed for your spouse -- that is, someone to make financial and/or medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf.
Government Benefits
Receiving Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits for spouses.
Receiving veterans' and military benefits for spouses, such as those for education, medical care, or special loans.
Receiving public assistance benefits.
Employment Benefits
Obtaining insurance benefits through a spouse's employer.
Taking family leave to care for your spouse during an illness.
Receiving wages, workers' compensation, and retirement plan benefits for a deceased spouse.
Taking bereavement leave if your spouse or one of your spouse’s close relatives dies.
Medical Benefits
Visiting your spouse in a hospital intensive care unit or during restricted visiting hours in other parts of a medical facility.
Making medical decisions for your spouse if he or she becomes incapacitated and unable to express wishes for treatment.
Death Benefits
Consenting to after-death examinations and procedures.
Making burial or other final arrangements.
Family Benefits
Filing for stepparent or joint adoption.
Applying for joint foster care rights.
Receiving equitable division of property if you divorce.
Receiving spousal or child support, child custody, and visitation if you divorce.
Housing Benefits
Living in neighborhoods zoned for "families only."
Automatically renewing leases signed by your spouse.
Consumer Benefits
Receiving family rates for health, homeowners', auto, and other types of insurance.
Receiving tuition discounts and permission to use school facilities.
Other consumer discounts and incentives offered only to married couples or families
Other Legal Benefits and Protections
Suing a third person for wrongful death of your spouse and loss of consortium (loss of intimacy).
Suing a third person for offenses that interfere with the success of your marriage, such as alienation of affection and criminal conversation (these laws are available in only a few states).
Claiming the marital communications privilege, which means a court can’t force you to disclose the contents of confidential communications between you and your spouse during your marriage.
Receiving crime victims' recovery benefits if your spouse is the victim of a crime.
Obtaining immigration and residency benefits for noncitizen spouse.
Visiting rights in jails and other places where visitors are restricted to immediate family.

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It seems to me if heterosexual couples gain all these benefits simply by marrying, why shouldn't gays get the same rights? THAT would be shallow.