Loving Day commemorates the US Supreme Court decision on 12 June, 1967, that overturned Virginia’s miscegenation law and, in the process, made interracial marriages legal in all the states and territories. Poetically, the couple who brought suit in Loving v. Virginia were Mildred and Richard Loving.
It is interesting to note that 41 years and one day ago, mixed racial marriages were illegal in 16 states. Today Senator Barack Obama, not only the son of a mixed marriage but also of a native African, is one step away from the Presidency.
Isn’t it wonderful that we have finally reached a point where loving relationships among consenting adults are no longer used to drive wedges between people?
Not.
We’ve come a long way, baby, but…
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Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 0:24
There will always be more couples, regardless. The population increases, more couples marry. Many companies and local governments already offer these benefits to domestic partners, so the fact that they marry legally would change nothing.
Do the arithmetic: 10 million more couples is 10 million more couples, no matter how many there are to begin with or will be in the future. The population increases, fewer couples marry if gays aren’t included.
Regarding spousal benefits, the operative word is “many.” A lot more companies don’t offer them, but would have to if the couples were legally married. In Florida, for example, there is no legal domestic partnership, yet.
What are you arguing about, anyway? I think we’re on the same side here. In any case, I’m finished with it. Go read some stats and do the research.
Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 12:47
I imagine this might have been an argument used for not allowing interracial marriages back in the day.
These costs will not be any higher for gay couples than for straight couples.
You miss my point. There will be more couples.
Friday, June 13, 2008 at 22:03
We sure do have a long way to go, maybe someday the powers that be will figure out that allowing gays to marry will have no effect whatsoever on their narrow little lives.
While I agree in principle, the fact is that it will have an effect on their bottom lines. Joint insurance, benefits, survivor benefits, tax breaks and so forth will cost the associated industries a bundle. Tough shit.
Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 16:56
Thanks for the reminder of this anniversary. And yes, we do still have a long way to go.