my recollection is that there is something federal other than DOMA which standardizes what the rights of marriage provided a spouse. thus the whole mess with why domestic partnerships are not an equal alternative - there is no standardization of what rights are granted under a DP.

"With a branded line of make-up from Marvel, girls will be able to feel as if they are going from ordinary to extraordinary just like the super hero characters in the stories, "

Yeah, that made me so ragey, I can't even write a coherent letter to Marvel to tell them to kiss my disposable income goodbye.

I needed a target for my rage this morning, and Marvel kindly stepped up.

Fuckers.

I think most states recognize marriages and divorces performed in other states. Well, the heterosexual marriages anyway.

But that's state by state, right?

my recollection is that there is something federal other than DOMA which standardizes what the rights of marriage provided a spouse. thus the whole mess with why domestic partnerships are not an equal alternative - there is no standardization of what rights are granted under a DP.

Hmm. Possibly I could google.

I love this post on Rachel Maddow's return from vacation.

Though I'm watching Tour de France coverage, and watching the stage winner being hugged by the rest of his team. That's making me smile, I must admit.

Ah, it looks like there are a bunch of different laws and regulations that relate to marriage, but I'm betting they all just use the term without further definition. [link]

I'm seriously contemplating skipping lunch today. I had a big breakfast at 8:00, and my stomach isn't growling and is also feeling a bit queasy for some reason, so I don't know if I want to eat anything anyway.

I can always run over to the cafeteria before they close at 3:00 and pick up some fruit and other munchies if I do get hungry.

I think of it as a state thing anyway.

that's because it IS. Family law is STATE law, not federal, which is why this federal shit pisses me off so badly. I went off on my (then) senator about it when it first came up.

I think most states recognize marriages and divorces performed in other states. Well, the heterosexual marriages anyway.

there's a concept called Full Faith and Credit, where states agree to recognize contracts from other states, and marriage is considered a contract. It's why you don't have to get married in a new state if you move.

Part of the issue with civil unions as opposed to marriage is that many laws are written with "marriage" as a term of art. If you are not "married", you may not have the particular right that is afforded to someone with that particular legal status.