RI LawmakersConsider Alternatives to Gay Marriage

[RetiredTrotskyite]

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island lawmakers will consider a proposal to allow gay couples and others who can't legally marry, such as siblings, to enter into an agreement providing many of the benefits of marriage.

A House committee will review legislation Tuesday that would extend benefits and rights associated with insurance, health care decisions, inheritance and property ownership to so-called "reciprocal beneficiaries."

The legal relationships would be restricted to anyone older than 18 who cannot legally marry their partner. That includes same-sex couples and relatives, such as unmarried siblings who want the right to make medical decisions for each other.

Committees in the House and Senate have held hearings on legislation allowing gay marriage, but neither chamber has scheduled a vote on the bill. The reciprocal beneficiary bill is one of several proposed alternatives




http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20110405/us-gay-marriage-ri/


As you can see, still pandering to the right and the fundies with this "call it anything but marriage" nonsense.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. I've never understood this either

"marriage" is just a freakin' word. It's like it only belongs (or is supposed to belong) to straights only.
:wtf:

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck.............

[damntexdem]

2. Well, they don't have to do it all -- just get out the way of gays who want to get married.

;-)

[The Philosopher]

3. It's disgusting

It may have the exact same rights, but with a different name, but it will always have an added benefit that we DO NOT WANT: that we're different and that marriage is too sacred for us to have. That propagates the idea that we are inferior. Even if they treat us as equals, that little hateful idea is still there. And where will our rights be when that virus of hate replicates among the majority? You can bet your ass we won't be equal any longer.