GayWeddings.com

Y'know, it's a shame most opposite-sex couples have no idea what they sign up for when they sign that marriage license. To so many, signing the license is a funky, mysterious, meaningless formality. I was shocked when a venue planner showed us a room in the back and said, "This is where you can sign your license before the ceremony." As tho' it were something to hide. We said, "Oh no! THIS puppy's gonna be signed out where EVERYone can see."

At last count, when couples sign that marriage license, they automatically get a package of 1,138 protections, benefits, and obligations, courtesy of our federal government. (This according to a study by the U.S. General Accounting Office at the behest of Congress.)

But wait! There's MORE! At the state level there are hundreds more laws that apply. (423 in Washington, to be precise.) NOW how much would you pay?! How about $60 for a wedding license.

So over 1,500 benefits and responsibilities suddenly become yours, all for the measly cost of a license! Such a deal. And, since they're a matter of federal and state law, they're not something a couple can otherwise get, even with the best lawyers and an unlimited pot of gold.

And some wonder why we want, need, and deserve legal marriage. All I have to say to that is, "Phooey. Outta my way."

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ken,

It is incredible, isn't it?

When my partner and I got "married" back in 1999, many of our guests assumed that we were legally married. They were shocked when I told them that we had to file our taxes independently and hire lawyers to preserve as many of our joint household and hospital visitation rights as possible.

It is shocking to think how many folks can just head down to City Hall or Vegas and get married and get so many rights, even though they have no intention of maintaining a long-term committed relationship. Instead, they were just drunk and got carried away, and have no idea of the unearned privilege that they enjoy, take for granted, and, sometimes, abuse.

Rats.