1138 reasons

Marriage vs. Civil Unions. I've even heard GLBT folks say they don't care about 'marriage' as long as a civil union would bring them the same benefits as marriage. But I always ask myself "Why would I settle for something less than equal?"

In 2004, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) identified 1,138 federal laws in which marital status is a factor in determining or receiving benefits, rights, and privileges.

It's time to educate Americans about what the word 'marriage' really means and talk about the critical rights being denied GLBT couples.
* Tax fairness
* Hospital visitation
* Government benefits
* Medical decision-making
* Exemption from estate taxes
* Spousal immigration


Learn more about the 1138 Reasons Equality Matters.


Then, take action! Its easy to think "I'm not a gay activist. I'll leave the educating of the public to the activists". That's not what Harvey Milk did. Don't sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to do something. One person CAN make a difference!


YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!


Be that someone. Speak up and get involved!
* Visit EqualityMatters to learn about the 1138 reasons equality matters so you can better educate others
* Encourage everyone you know to visit EqualityMatters and to pass it along
* Don't delay - spread the word about the 1138 Federal Rights Denied gay & lesbian Americans
* Come out, come out, wherever you are! Don't just think "they know." It's usually tougher for folks to discriminate against the LGBT community as a whole when they know of one us.
* Re-post this information on your blog, and copy/paste it into an email and send it to everyone you know, GLBT or straight.


This is NOT about special rights or privileges, its about equality for ALL.


Straight Allies – you can help, too. Please speak up on behalf of the legal injustice of marriage inequality for GLBT people, and continue to educate those in your circle of influence about the 1138 Reasons Equality Matters.

Crush du Jour: Luis Harnisch