Civil Unions in Arizona for Same Sex Couples
Civil Unions in Arizona for Same Sex Couples
Abstract
Same-sex couples have long asked for the right to enjoy the same benefits as couples of different genders. Currently, same-sex couples are denied 1,138 rights given by federal law to traditional couples. Among these rights is the ability to make decisions for the spouse in case of a medical emergency; for same-sex couples, this authority goes to the next of kin. In relation to medical emergencies, same-sex couples are also denied visitation rights, meaning that if a spouse is hospitalized, the significant other can be denied entrance to the room. Another benefit that is denied to same-sex couples is the right to Social Security benefits upon the death of a spouse. Traditionally, the Social Security benefits go to the surviving spouse, but in same-sex unions, the benefits simply stop. Similar to Social Security benefits are employee benefits, which are provided to the partners of traditional unions, but denied to same-sex couples. In 2009, the federal government presented an act to the floor of Congress that would provide employee benefits to the spouses of same-sex unions employed by the government. Another point of contention is the right to adoption, a right that is denied to same-sex couples. The stability of same-sex relationships has also been called into question by opponents. One benefit that is often overlooked due to the fact that it does not pertain to same-sex couples is the benefit to the economy of same-sex unions through the accumulation of disposable income.
Civil Unions in Arizona for Same Sex Couples Many people are confused on the differences between a civil union and marriage. The difference is the involvement of religion. Marriage is the traditional school of thought, where a man and a woman go through a ceremony in a church or other religious structure, where the ceremony is conducted by an ordained representative of the religion in question. Involved in the ceremony is the
Abstract
Same-sex couples have long asked for the right to enjoy the same benefits as couples of different genders. Currently, same-sex couples are denied 1,138 rights given by federal law to traditional couples. Among these rights is the ability to make decisions for the spouse in case of a medical emergency; for same-sex couples, this authority goes to the next of kin. In relation to medical emergencies, same-sex couples are also denied visitation rights, meaning that if a spouse is hospitalized, the significant other can be denied entrance to the room. Another benefit that is denied to same-sex couples is the right to Social Security benefits upon the death of a spouse. Traditionally, the Social Security benefits go to the surviving spouse, but in same-sex unions, the benefits simply stop. Similar to Social Security benefits are employee benefits, which are provided to the partners of traditional unions, but denied to same-sex couples. In 2009, the federal government presented an act to the floor of Congress that would provide employee benefits to the spouses of same-sex unions employed by the government. Another point of contention is the right to adoption, a right that is denied to same-sex couples. The stability of same-sex relationships has also been called into question by opponents. One benefit that is often overlooked due to the fact that it does not pertain to same-sex couples is the benefit to the economy of same-sex unions through the accumulation of disposable income.
Civil Unions in Arizona for Same Sex Couples Many people are confused on the differences between a civil union and marriage. The difference is the involvement of religion. Marriage is the traditional school of thought, where a man and a woman go through a ceremony in a church or other religious structure, where the ceremony is conducted by an ordained representative of the religion in question. Involved in the ceremony is the
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