Bubba Grizz wrote:This is a very clear and concise way to put things into focus. I like it.
Weren't there, until recently, penalties for being married in the tax code? I seem to remember that filing single would be better than joint because of the bullshit taxes. I know that has changed not too long ago.
I cannot speak intelligently about the nuances of the American Tax System, and all of the permutations of single and joint filings spanning all states across the US available to married couples. A detailed analysis of the tax laws will lead to the conclusion that under common circumstances married couples will see tax breaks unavailable to homsexual partners.
In my present circumstances, being married has resulted in more money for myself and my wife. This is largely due to the fact that she hasn't been able to work and we have filled a single return jointly. A detailed discussion of the tax law is beyond the scope of this topic. There is no doubt in my mind that the tax laws need reform and simplification without compromising the flexibility and intent of our system.
The strength of this argument is not based solely upon the differences in the tax laws, but upon the culmination of seemingly innocuous details taken together.
As Winnow pointed out, the traditional notion of marriage and the legal notion of civil unions were intertwined in our society from the inception of this nation. These two concepts need to be unraveled and allowed their proper places and purposes: a legal standing and a religious one. The legal standing affording rights and benefits within the legal structures of our society, and the religous one servicing the doctrine of each religion.