On August 29, Henry Velandia and Josh Vandiver were married in Montville, Connecticut. But unlike most newlyweds, Henry & Josh aren't spending the fall sending out thank you cards or taking the honeymoon of their dreams.
Instead, Henry and Josh are fighting to save their marriage. Because of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA), passed by Congress in 1996, the federal government does not honor same-sex couple’s marriages, which means that Henry – who was born in Venezuela and moved to the U.S. in 2002 – may soon face deportation. If Henry and Josh were not a same-sex couple, Josh would easily be able to sponsor Henry for a visa or citizenship.
I'd support efforts to protect them if it protected me. sadly same sex marriage discriminates against the sacrifices and burdens that straight men make. When will straight men be recognized by the Gay community for their contribution and efforts in marriage? It isn't easy and to strip their exclusive identity away shows how little the progressives respect them. I'd be very happy to support legislature that would protect Gays, but they will not be protected by legislation that is the equivalent to "don't ask don't tell". Pretending everyone is the same will not help gay people. Government contracts should reflect the truth of the relationship. If possible childbirth happens outside of the contract then that needs to be transparent for the very same reason these guys should be allowed to be together. If the contract is not transparent then you can not create exclusive means to adopt for Gay couples. When you create dishonest contracts in the long run the people who you mean to help, you hurt. We have already seen that happen with DADT legislation under Bill Clinton. The first part of respecting difference is in respecting difference. Sadly the Gay Community that pushes unconstitutional arguments does not respect difference and it is these men who pay the price for their arrogance.
Instead, Henry and Josh are fighting to save their marriage. Because of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA), passed by Congress in 1996, the federal government does not honor same-sex couple’s marriages, which means that Henry – who was born in Venezuela and moved to the U.S. in 2002 – may soon face deportation. If Henry and Josh were not a same-sex couple, Josh would easily be able to sponsor Henry for a visa or citizenship.
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Gay Marriage
