Domestic Partnerships for All!
After you boo me down, I’ll pull a Kodos and Kang: “Domestic partnerships for some, miniature American flags for others!”.
Pam’s House Blend has just informed me that there’s an initiative (bolding mine):
Date: March 9, 2009
Initiative No.: 09-0003
The Attorney General of California has prepared the following title and summary of the chief purpose and points of the proposed measure:SUBSTITUTES DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP FOR MARRIAGE IN CALIFORNIA LAW. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Replaces the term “marriage” with the term “domestic partnership” throughout California law, but preserves the rights provided in marriage. Applies equally to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. Repeals the provision in California’s Constitution that states only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: This measure would have an unknown fiscal effect on state and local governments. (09-0003.)
So, we remove the fight over “marriage” and still grant the ability for the state to extend benefits and privledges to couples, regardless of sexual status. I like it. It also has the added potential benefit (completely unintentionally) of challenging the status quo when it comes to marriage expectations. It could spark many conversations about what marriage actually is to people, and what type of feelings towards and baggage about marriage the partners are bringing to the table — I know that was a big sticking point for my husband and I before we got legally hitched. It also offers the opportunity to discuss the language surrounding relationships: are you a girlfriend, a wife, a spouse, a partner? How are they different? Do you expect different things from your girlfriend and your wife? I find this to be an intriguing idea and I hope I get to see how it all plays out.
How do I start me one of these in Michigan?
Tags: california, domestic partnership, families, homosexual, marriage
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March 12, 2009 at 1:50 pm
so it’s not actually put into action yet? i like it too.
March 12, 2009 at 5:11 pm
They’re in the process of gathering signatures. They need some 650,000 by August 6th. I’m going to keep on this story and see how it plays out.