It deals with joint custody laws, Social Security benefits, bereavement leave, tax returns, lease agreements and health care. It is not an endorsement of the individuals involved or a judgment of their relationship. This is an important distinction overlooked in the current debates in our legislatures. Our society has a real stake in seeing that our personal relationships are stable, responsible and supportive. We will all benefit when same-gender relationships are permitted and required to meet the standards of marriage.
Marriage continues to be essential in building a good society.
Call off the rush to legislation, and give all our children a part in that society. She is an elder of the Presbyterian Church, and holds a political science degree from Wellesley College.