GAY MARRIAGE ADVOCATE IN SETTLEMENT BATTLE WITH FORMER PARTNER

The Boston Globe ^ | 8/2/2002 | Andrea Estes

[Hemingway's Ghost]

MILTON - A champion of marriage rights for same-sex couples is fighting to deny those rights to his ex-partner in a longtime relationship in a bitter court battle with all the hallmarks of a nasty divorce.

In a case that tests the legal bounds of gay unions, Joseph Barri, a senior partner at the law firm of Hale and Dorr, who just this week publicly urged newspapers to print announcements of gay unions, says his former companion should not be treated as a spouse because Massachusetts law doesn't recognize gay marriages.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

This is just too rich!!!

Be careful of what you ask for, Joseph Barri Esq. YOU JUST MAY GET IT!!!!!

[Hemingway's Ghost]

In court papers, Barri's lawyer, Elaine Epstein, argues that Massachusetts doesn't consider same-sex unions akin to marriage and thus Venzer is entitled only to assets covered by explicit contracts.

Hypocracy bump.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Another hypocracy bump!

[DWPittelli]

Even apart from the gay aspect -- i.e., even in a hetero couple that remained unmarried out of choice -- I thought "palimony" was often paid in such a long-term "committed" relationship. So why not here?

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Who will get custody of the Liza Minelli CD's?

[MotleyGirl70]

Fags

Ooops that's not P.C.

I'll try again....

Queers

Oooops that's not P.C.

I'm not trying again....

[Under the Radar]

ROFL, I love it when the left eat their own!

[ValerieUSA]

I notice lots of happy gay couples showing off their homes on HGTV house renovation progams and decorating magazines - I wonder if this abode was ever featured?

[connectthedots]

Barri and Venzer never had a commitment ceremony, but the couple did sign estate plans, leaving everything to each other in the event of death. After their deaths, the house would go to their children. But the agreements, Epstein said, do not apply if the relationship ends.

OPH, Does there seem to be a possible admission of an 'implied contract' by Barri's attorney in this paragraph?

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

''The kids called me Tony Danza,'' said Venzer.

!?!?!?!?!?!

This may be the most disturbing part of the whole thing...

[always vigilant]

I stopped watching. I kept seeing too many teeth marks in the pillows.

[NeoCaveman]

Gay marraige would be such a boon for divorce lawyers.

[vikingchick]

Venzer says he couldn't work even if he wanted to because he has AIDS, as does Barri.

That's messed up.

[Little Bill]

I have got to get out of this Peoples Republic, a quick flit across the boarder, this place is becoming as nutty as Kalifornia.

[RepoGirl]

''The kids called me Tony Danza,''

This was truly the most puzzling line in the story for me.

[aha?]

how about just calling them what they are: Homosexuals, Sodomites, Degenerates!

[Hemingway's Ghost]

I thought "palimony" was often paid in such a long-term "committed" relationship. So why not here?

Exactly. They're common law husbands.

[billbears]

My wife and I used to watch ol Puffy Eyes on HGTV, personally I always liked the weird houses show right after that with Cheryl Hamada. I commented on the fact that a lot of those houses were owned by 'single' men. She had never noticed that fact before

[Hemingway's Ghost]

I wonder if this abode was ever featured?

Christopher Lowell would be all a'titter . . .

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Gay marraige would be such a boon for divorce lawyers.

NO KIDDING . . . I think I'm beginning to see a nexus here . . .