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Married California Gays Face Lonely Future

Banning gay marriage but allowing existing unions will leave couples on 'marriage island'

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 7, 2009 7:38 AM CST

(Newser) – The California Supreme Court's expected decision to uphold a ban on gay marriage but still recognize existing unions will leave the state's 18,000 married gay couples in a strange situation, the Los Angeles Times reports. Couples are relieved that their marriages are likely to survive, but they see legal and emotional confusion stemming from their unique status.  "They are likely to be frequently asked to prove that they are married," one legal activist notes.

They'll also be aware that they enjoy benefits their peers can't get, and some fear that their status as pioneers will lead to too much pressure to have perfect marriages. "We will be scrutinized," one woman said. "I feel a sense of responsibility to show to people that gay marriage can be as healthy, productive, supportive and loving as any straight marriage."

Luis Guerra, second from right, and Walter Recinos, far right, attend  against Proposition 8 in San Francisco, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
Luis Guerra, second from right, and Walter Recinos, far right, attend against Proposition 8 in San Francisco, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Gay rights activist John Lewis, left, and Stuart Gaffney hold up their null marriage certificate during a rally against Proposition 8 in San Francisco, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
Gay rights activist John Lewis, left, and Stuart Gaffney hold up their null marriage certificate during a rally against Proposition 8 in San Francisco, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
 Curt Garman, left, and Richard Looke hold hands as they look for a quiet spot to hold their wedding at City Hall in San Francisco in June 2008.
Curt Garman, left, and Richard Looke hold hands as they look for a quiet spot to hold their wedding at City Hall in San Francisco in June 2008.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
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We don't want to be on a marriage island. It is not going to be satisfying to say we got ours but you can't have yours. - Jeanne Rizzo, 62, who tied the knot with her partner of 20 years in September

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
riffran
Mar 8, 2009 5:00 AM CDT
I don't have a problem with same sex orientation....just keep that thing away from me big boy...lol.....what I do have a problem with is the extreme agitators on both sides of that fence....the angry bitter militant gay demanding to be treated the same , all the while acting like a complete ass,and bringing about the very resentment they decry, and the other side, acting as bad or worse just like some holy crusading fanatic bully, pushing their opinion down others throat..(oops a pad pun..lol).....I am hetero, and don't feel guilty about it, and gays should not be made to feel guilty either...but unfortunately it happens......how bout....you do what you do, I do what I do....and we leave each other the hell alone....works for me
riffran
Mar 8, 2009 4:50 AM CDT
wow adapt...that is an awsome veiw point*clap clap*
woodyTX
Mar 7, 2009 3:07 AM CST
Unfortunately the Mormon Church is a Political Action Committee as oposed to a non-profit religious organization. After providing an estimated $20 Million to support CA prop 8 to deny the human rights of others, they should have their non-profit status revoked. And alkl in teh name of God. Whatever happened to live and let live ? ...or do unto others as you would have them do unto you ? Justice will prevail in the end. It's only a matter of time....just as with slavery and women's right to vote.

More Newser Stories

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Calif. Prop 8 Back in Court Tomorrow

Supreme Court's Move on Gay Marriage? Maybe Not

Court Blocks California's Ban on Gay Marriage

Key Ruling Due Today on Calif. Gay Marriage Ban


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