[FreedomCalls]

What is clear though, is that committed gay partners do not have the same civil rights as their heterosexual counterparts.

They lack nothing that can't be remedied by signing a contract and power of attorney between themselves.

[nyg4168]

They lack nothing that can't be remedied by signing a contract and power of attorney between themselves.

Not the case. Social Security survivor benefits, tax-free inheritance, spousal privilege in court testimony....lots of things can't be secured without marriage or at least a civil union. And it depends on the state. Virginia makes even private contracts between gays for marriage-like arrangements void.

[SilentServiceCPO]

What about tax benefits, the presumed right (in the absence of a power of attorney) to make medical decisions, the presumed right of inheritance, social security benefits, etc, etc, etc