Katrina Delivers Second Blow To Gay Families

[rainbow4321]

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/09/090105nolaGay.htm

Recovering from the devastation of hurricane Katrina may be particularly difficult for same-sex couples who are not recognized in any of the three states directly hit by the storm or in those states where refugees have fled.

Louisiana has a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and prevents the state from recognizing any legal status for common-law relationships, domestic partnerships or civil unions. Mississippi and Alabama both have defense of marriage acts which also deny rights to gay and lesbian couples.

The Federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents FEMA from providing any relief in the form of family benefits to same-sex couples.


Two relief organizations are recognizing same-sex families: the American Red Cross and the Rainbow Fund. The Red Cross was the first major aid agency to help gay and lesbian couples in the immediate aftermath of 9-11.

[TheDebbieDee]

1. There's something about that headline....hmmmmmmm : ^ )

[Fridays Child]

6. Oh, quit!

:spank:

;)

[Behind the Aegis]

2. And yet...

...we are still told by our own party that is "too much, too soon," when we ask for the right to marry. As much as we want the brain-washed right to wake from their coma, and the de-fanged media to get its teeth back, will this tragedy also inspire our own progressives to see the seriousness of equal rights for ALL Americans?

[Charlie Brown]

3. DOMA is evil

Thank you, John Kerry, for having the decency to vote against that hate act.

[DanCa]

4. Hugs to my gblt brothers and sisters.

I just dont understand why this is in issue for people at all. I truly don't. All I know is that my god would want equality for everyone regardless of orientation. I really hate what the right wing freakshow has done to the standard human dencency of this country. Hugs everyone theres going be a second judgement and these freaks are going get thiers. The fight to do the right thing is never easy. If there's anything I can do to help you in the fight please let me know. Take care all. Danny.

[theHandpuppet]

5. Thank you, DanCa

Here's a site where you can find out how to become involved: http://www.hrc.org/

[DanCa]

7. Thank you HP.

I added the link to my favorites. I am currently juggling expenses around hopefully i will be able to give money at the beginning of next month.

[Behind the Aegis]

8. Some old stats

This is from 2000, but it breaks down the number of gay couples by area code. While not a huge number, it is still going to be a problem for them. Reminder, this is just couples as of 2000, it is not indicitive of actual gays and lesbians in the area.

Louisiana

Alabama (by county)

Mississippi (by county)

[EC]

9. Well, then they'll just have to apply as separate

individuals and get 2 x's the benefits as singles...I wonder if both can claim lose of home? The one who's name is in ownership and the mate could apply as a renter and get benefits for homeowner and renter? I'm not sure how it'll work, but I think they can still apply as singles...

[Behind the Aegis]

10. Interesting

However, if they were to do that, they could be sued for fraud. Also, what if the partner owing the house was killed, would the surviving partner have any legal claim? I don't think they would.

[EC]

11. You're probably right about if the owner was killed

unless there is a will on file. But I don't think they could get charged with fraud, since obviously one was renting, if they were providing food, or paying bills, since barter is considered a payment. My daughter is gay, and we did investigate some options from a lawyer friend. And this was one of the things we discussed...in several scenarios they could make out better than the married counterparts. (like two tax refunds amounting to more than that of a married couple, since her partner would be head of household with 2 children, she would get a good sized return, my daughter would also get a return although singles totally get screwed , it still added up to more than a married couple with 2 kids) there are some advantages to being single, like one can claim bankruptcy if the bills in her name get to be too much, while the other still has a good rating - so the 7 year waiting for credit doesn't hurt as much when one still has credit, whereas if they were married the bankruptcy would apply to both...

[Behind the Aegis]

12. Some more interesting points.

Even with a will, it is still no guarantee for us. Just recently, here in Oklahoma, a surviving partner is about to lose his claim to his house. He and his partner were together for 40 years! The land owner died, but left everything to his partner in the will. A third cousin of the deceased gay man showed up after almost 12 years of never even seeing his cousin, and has challenged the will. Guess who won?

In my situation, I am unemployed, no means of income, yet G-d forbid, something happen to my partner and I would be out on my ass. He can't even claim me as a dependant (although, we are looking for away to circumvent that one).

There are some advantages, like the bankruptcy thing...of course that has gone to shit now too, but more often than not it is a pain. When he was in an accident, I almost came to blows with the doctor because he wouldn't let me make decisions (thankfully, I can be a real bitch).

All in all, this is a double tragedy for my 'people,' because we get it from all directions. However, your post gives me some hope that there are some of us out there that can beat this crappy system!

[EC]

14. Well, one positive thing for those caught in the hurricane

would be they have nothing to lose now and can move to a state where life will be easier for them.

The case you cited is wrong and should be fought in a higher court if the will was legal and witnessed it can't be broken unless the third cousin can prove intent by the deceased. That was pure prejudice...

A dependant for what? Income taxes? He can still claim Head of Household, because the person claimed doesn't have to be related, it could be some bum you supported for at least 6 months in your home...so you can go that route, deduction isn't as much as dependant but it's better than single...Yes, the medical angle has me worried, at least with my daughter and her SO I would be there and not allow them to be apart, I'd lie and say she (SO) was my daughter if I had to.

There are ways to beat any system, it's just too bad it comes to that...

[MadeinOhio]

13. That's disturbing...