Attention OHIO Voters!!
Oct. 24th, 2004 10:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cabensonWhile I hope that everyone who is voting this year is educating themselves on all issues, I am asking OHIO voters to take another look at what The Gay Marriage Ban Amendment really says. I received this in an e-mail from a friend:
State Issue 1, 'the marriage amendment', is not merely about gay marriage. Here is what the proposed amendment says:
"Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions.
This State and it's political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effect of marriage."
This amendment applies not only to couples of the same sex, but to those of the OPPOSITE sex, as well.
Often, opposite sex couples in long-term relationships have not married for financial reasons, primarily tax issues.
Many companies currently offer benefits to domestic partners. If State Issue 1 is passed, the Ohio constitution will be changed to prohibit companies from offering these benefits.
Potential outcomes:
Unmarried couples would not be able to jointly own, inherit, or bequeath property in Ohio. For example, when a domestic partner dies and leaves property to the other in his/her will, blood relatives can supersede the will and deny property to the partner.
People will lose health care benefits currently guaranteed by many companies. The financial impact of health care loss affects not only those individuals, but also the rest of us, because those who do not have health insurance will seek care from the emergency room, something for which we will all, ultimately pay.
Unmarried parents will not be eligible for maternity and paternity leave benefits when a child is born. Adopted children will not be able to benefit from the health insurance they currently receive from companies offering
Domestic Partner benefits. A caring society should not be denying benefits in this way.
Please understand that State Issue 1 is not just about gay marriage; that is merely one aspect of this amendment, which would ultimately eliminate benefits for a variety of deserving individuals, including children. Please don't allow great numbers of people to be harmed, in an effort to prevent gay marriage.
To learn more, go to www.opcpac.com, where you will first see, "News Flash - - Ohio Attorney General and OSU oppose Issue I. Both state that Issue 1 will hurt employers' ability to provide benefits to attract and maintain a solid workforce." Further, you'll read about the passage of this amendment being a blow to Ohio's economy.
I hope you'll forward this to your friends and let your vote help many good people retain their healthcare and other important benefits.
Educate yourself, your friends and your families. Know what you are voting for.
State Issue 1, 'the marriage amendment', is not merely about gay marriage. Here is what the proposed amendment says:
"Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions.
This State and it's political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effect of marriage."
This amendment applies not only to couples of the same sex, but to those of the OPPOSITE sex, as well.
Often, opposite sex couples in long-term relationships have not married for financial reasons, primarily tax issues.
Many companies currently offer benefits to domestic partners. If State Issue 1 is passed, the Ohio constitution will be changed to prohibit companies from offering these benefits.
Potential outcomes:
Unmarried couples would not be able to jointly own, inherit, or bequeath property in Ohio. For example, when a domestic partner dies and leaves property to the other in his/her will, blood relatives can supersede the will and deny property to the partner.
People will lose health care benefits currently guaranteed by many companies. The financial impact of health care loss affects not only those individuals, but also the rest of us, because those who do not have health insurance will seek care from the emergency room, something for which we will all, ultimately pay.
Unmarried parents will not be eligible for maternity and paternity leave benefits when a child is born. Adopted children will not be able to benefit from the health insurance they currently receive from companies offering
Domestic Partner benefits. A caring society should not be denying benefits in this way.
Please understand that State Issue 1 is not just about gay marriage; that is merely one aspect of this amendment, which would ultimately eliminate benefits for a variety of deserving individuals, including children. Please don't allow great numbers of people to be harmed, in an effort to prevent gay marriage.
To learn more, go to www.opcpac.com, where you will first see, "News Flash - - Ohio Attorney General and OSU oppose Issue I. Both state that Issue 1 will hurt employers' ability to provide benefits to attract and maintain a solid workforce." Further, you'll read about the passage of this amendment being a blow to Ohio's economy.
I hope you'll forward this to your friends and let your vote help many good people retain their healthcare and other important benefits.
Educate yourself, your friends and your families. Know what you are voting for.
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no subject
Date: 2004-10-24 07:58 pm (UTC)Op-Ed Columnist: God and Sex
October 23, 2004 By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
If we're going to cherry-pick biblical phrases, then perhaps we should just ban marriage altogether.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/23/opinion/23kristof.html?ex=1099523244&ei=1&en=feb2b4f41a690b02
no subject
Date: 2004-10-25 12:22 pm (UTC)This says everything. Personally, I think the ignorant need to be banned.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-25 08:43 am (UTC)I mean god damn, why doesn't my vote count!? Instead, I've gotta haul my ass down to Pennsylvania on election day and remind people whose votes actually make a difference to hit the booths.
I can be neutral for a day, I guess - we're not supposed to say "Vote for Kerry!" but just "Don't forget to vote!" Greater turnout will almost definitely help Kerry, but the idea is to seem as bipartisan as possible so we don't make people feel pressured. But damn, it sounds like people could use some pressure.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-25 12:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-25 08:04 pm (UTC)Although with Bill O'Reilly on the news, you never know....
:slaps self on hand: