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July 25, 2008 11:24:44 AM CDT

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Gay Couples Steer Clear of Altar

Posted Feb 22, 08 12:19 PM CST in US,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – As domestic partnerships, civil unions, and even same-sex marriage gain traction, reality has tempered the gay community's exuberant initial reaction, Salon reports. For numerous reasons, both practical and ideological, many couples would rather not get hitched. Those who haven't cite concerns from worry over inconsistent laws to resentment of what one man calls "a second-class situation."

With state and federal laws varying widely, same-sex partners can face bureaucratic nightmares when they try to get divorced, or even move to a new state. A California lawyer who's gay and has many gay clients summarizes his attitude: "My partner and I would never register, unless there was a real benefit." If there is, it isn't readily apparent.

Source Salon

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BRIGHTON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 04: Tony Mason puts a ring on Asa Cairns' finger during a mock civil partnership ceremony at the Gay Wedding Show on December 04, 2005 in Brighton, England. (Photo...   (Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 11: Jeanne Fong (2nd R) and her partner Jennifer Lin (R) and, Brian Davis (L) and his partner Ted Guggenheim (2nd L), same-sex couples from San Francisco, dance during a marriage...   (Getty Images)
For both practical and ideological reasons, marriage holds little appeal to many same-sex couples. (FILE PHOTO)(Photo illustration by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)   (Getty Images)
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marriage  • divorce  • gay marriage  • Massachusetts  • same-sex marriage  • estate tax


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