Protest the passage of Prop 8

[Annemehr]

> Doddie here:
<snip>
 
> I just don't think Government belongs in the institution of 
> marriage.  I think marriage is more a spiritual and emotional 
matter 
> than a legal one...and that all legal aspects of marriage can be 
> remedied by a power of attorney..
> (wills/trusts/custody/guardianships/etc.)<snip>


Annemehr:
That's impossible.

Government is inolved in marriage because they need a way to 
recognize a family unit.  This is necessary for all sorts of things --
 rights of inheritance and survivorship, child custody issues, etc.  
Also, government sanction of marriages has wider implications, such 
as recognition of next-of-kin in hospitals, spousal insurance 
coverage, etc.

Power of attorney doesn't come close to supplying these needs.

Also, bear in mind that marriage is far older than any of the 
religions people belong to these days.  It is not only spiritual and 
emotional, it is societal as well, and there's no getting around that.

Annemehr