New York Times Recommends "Full-Blown Marriage Rights for Gay Couples"

Earlier on this blog, I discussed the case of Olive Watson who, in 1991, adopted her same-sex partner, Patricia Spado.  By doing so, Olive made Patricia her "child" so that she would be able to inherit from her upon Olive's death.

On March 24, 2007, the New York Times published an editorial, Legal Convolutions for Gay Couples, which advocates in favor of formalizing same-sex relationships.  Here is an excerpt:

[G]ay people who want to protect their families should not have to resort to adult adoptions. Nor should they be confined to separate and unequal new legal regimes, like civil unions, or rely on a patchwork of contracts, some of dubious enforceability. One benefit that comes with marriage is a universally understood framework for formally dissolving relationships and settling financial matters.

Connecticut’s legislators are about to consider a proposal to upgrade their state’s civil union law to allow full-blown marriage rights for gay couples. For practicality and fairness, it’s the right move.