These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Domestic Partnership

.
New Mexico citizens are holding their collectives breaths right now. A bill legalizing domestic partnerships has made it's way out of committee and is now on the House floor. It is expected to be very close, but should the Lt. Governor need to cast her vote to break a tie, she has already announced that she will vote for the bill. The Senate is thought to be an easier path, so if the bill makes it there, it is likely to be passed. The governor has also vowed to sign it into law when it reaches his desk.

Opponents say this is a "step toward legalizing gay marriage." So what? I personally think marriage is overrated and unessential to happiness. Too many people thing being married assures a happily-ever-after life, but statistics show that is certainly not true. I'm sure most of you know be well enough by now to know that I favor this bill. I like it because it addresses all the citizens of the state, gay or straight, giving us the option to make choices that suit our own lives. Forget for a moment the testy issues of gay marriage. I've said before that I would probably never marry again. I possibly might choose to cohabit if I found someone I thought I could tolerate full time. If I should take either path, I would want that person to have certain rights should I choose to have him make end of life decisions for me, to be present with me during crisis, etc. I should be able to choose who has these privileges whether that person is married to me or not, whether that person (and myself) is gay or straight, whether our physical relationship is intimate or not. If I have chosen to share my life with a person, that person should have the right to share everything in my life, and vice-versa.

I'm less worried about the end of life financial issues. Those can be taken care of with legal documents, a will, a trust, joint ownership. I'm concerned about the issues of life while my feet are still hitting the pavement of my journey here on earth, being able to completely care for myself and whoever I choose to be my partner. For me, the ability to insure my partner isn't a factor, but if I were a few years younger it would be important.

This issue has been batted around for a long time here in NM. It hasn't passed in the past, but if it makes it through the House today, it will be a big step into the reality of today's world. What in the world are we waiting for? The bottom line is that this is a bill about ending discrimination. It needs to be.

**** Well, damn. It was just announced on TV that the bill failed in the Senate. However, there is another bill in the House that is being debated. I'll keep you posted.

.

10 comments:

  1. If this bill does pass (and I am confident it will at some point pass), I imagine NM will be looking better and better for me and S. She does want to live in either NM or AZ. I told her that if we move to NM then we both can have the weather we like....warm sunny days and a little bit of snow. Please keep me posted so I can pass it on to S.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I will, Caroline. On the news at noon, they said the hope is that it will be out of the House today. Let's hope so.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It should be passed nationally. I dont understand hate associated with love. I will say it again if people are so concerned with the sanicty of marriage then outlaw divorce. And I am with you although my marriage is great I would never remarry again

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bobbie, I agree. It's a national issue.

    (M)ary, yeah, roasted ones.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I certainly would have had my fingers crossed for it to pass. The fact that it failed doesn't surprise me, though. :-(

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cheryl, it is just beyond me why we this is even an issue for anyone. No, I wasn't surprised, just disappointed.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Crossing fingers and hey Caroline might be moving to your state??!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I sometimes just cannot believe that we are still trying to pass these laws.

    ReplyDelete

If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!