The High Price of Being a Gay Couple

[sadangel]

The High Price of Being a Gay Couple

Our goal was to create a hypothetical gay couple whose situation would be similar to a heterosexual couple’s. So we gave the couple two children and assumed that one partner would stay home for five years to take care of them. We also considered the taxes in the three states that have the highest estimated gay populations — New York, California and Florida. We gave our couple an income of $140,000, which is about the average income in those three states for unmarried same-sex partners who are college-educated, 30 to 40 years old and raising children under the age of 18.

Here is what we came up with. In our worst case, the couple’s lifetime cost of being gay was $467,562. But the number fell to $41,196 in the best case for a couple with significantly better health insurance, plus lower taxes and other costs.

These numbers will vary, depending on a couple’s income and circumstance. Gay couples earning, say, $80,000, could have health insurance costs similar to our hypothetical higher-earning couple, but they might well owe more in income taxes than their heterosexual counterparts. For wealthy couples with a lot of assets, on the other hand, the cost of being gay could easily spiral into the millions.

Nearly all the extra costs that gay couples face would be erased if the federal government legalized same-sex marriage. One exception is the cost of having biological children, but we felt it was appropriate to include this given our goal of outlining every cost gay couples incur that heterosexual couples may not.

Our analysis is not exact science. Not every couple would get married if they could, and others would not want to have children. We also made a number of assumptions based on average costs, life spans, state of residence and gender.

Yes, it is a long article, but it is an eye-opener. Something to consider.

 

[lance gt]

The High Price of Being a Gay Couple



Yes, it is a long article, but it is an eye-opener. Something to consider.

That was one of the main reasons Canada made same-sex marriage legal. The cost to them was absurd to be together and raise children and not be allowed any benefits that heteros had. Now they have equal rights to tax incentives and health care for married couples. It's saved countless millions for them. I'm real glad it happened and wish more countries could see the advantages to it.

 

[sadangel]

Every time I hear someone say that gay's want special rights, I correct them and tell them, "No, they just want EQUAL rights." Every person I know that is gay has said that along with those rights they would take the consequences. Having to have an actual divorce if they are allowed to get married. Pay taxes as a married couple, etc. There are no special rights that gay couples want. It is only equal rights that are wanted. I've been fighting for equal rights for years, most especially when I have been in same-sex relationships. It is only recently that I finally acknowledged my truth. That I am bisexual.

 

[Safe_Bet]

As for the emotional costs of living with these added complexities, they can’t be quantified. Frederick Hertz, a lawyer in Oakland, Calif., who works with same-sex couples, likens heterosexual marriage to being in the car pool lane. “Being part of a same-sex couple, it’s always stop. Wait. Pay a toll,” he said.

That pretty well sums it up. Thanks SA.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Sad it's tragic, but it does apply to non-married heteros too.

What I argue is we need to split religious marriage from state/ federal law.

We're a secular society but we still allow pointy-headed religio-freaks to dictate social law.

Under the consitution, discrimination is illegal and some high powered case should be taken to the supreme court.

 

[JamesSD]

I also wouldn't mind seeing an end to tax benefits for married couples. Let's bring everyone, gay or straight, married or single, onto an even playing field. Also, can we please limit the number of children you can receive tax benefits for? Have them start decreasing at child number 3 or 4, and fall off quickly thereafter.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Sad it's tragic, but it does apply to non-married heteros too.

What I argue is we need to split religious marriage from state/ federal law.

We're a secular society but we still allow pointy-headed religio-freaks to dictate social law.
...

I heartily agree, EO

 

[lance gt]

I'm not sure how it works in your area, but in Ontario, a non-married couple who reside together and share the deed or rental agreement/bills together for a period of one year or longer, can be declared a common-law couple under the eyes of the law and receive married hetero benefits and status. So no matter what type of couple you are, within reason, you are given equal rights to services and benefits as well as tax incentives.

 

[JamesSD]

I'm not sure how it works in your area, but in Ontario, a non-married couple who reside together and share the deed or rental agreement/bills together for a period of one year or longer, can be declared a common-law couple under the eyes of the law and receive married hetero benefits and status. So no matter what type of couple you are, within reason, you are given equal rights to services and benefits as well as tax incentives.

Many US states have laws strictly prohibiting this for same sex couples.

 

[lance gt]

Many US states have laws strictly prohibiting this for same sex couples.

Read my earlier post James. Same -sex gets everything.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Read my earlier post James. Same -sex gets everything.

Not in the U S of A, is what James was saying.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Nor can het couples claim common law marriage in California. That's a kind of equality, the worst kind!

 

[impressive]

What I argue is we need to split religious marriage from state/ federal law.

We're a secular society but we still allow pointy-headed religio-freaks to dictate social law.

Amen!

 

[TE999]

I cannot understand how the integrity, moral fiber and sovereignty of the nation will be harmed by allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits given to heterosexual couples.

I'm not aware of any Biblical or Talmudic texts that condemn same sex marriage, so saying God forbids it is a specious argument. It is merely a cover for either fear, prejudice or both. Don't forget, each KKK chapter has a chaplain (Kludd) to bless their activities.

The states should take the lead in legitimizing same-sex marriages until the feds have no alternative and accept it as well. It would be an exercise in states rights that are withering away from disuse.

 

[sadangel]

I cannot understand how the integrity, moral fiber and sovereignty of the nation will be harmed by allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits given to heterosexual couples.

I'm not aware of any Biblical or Talmudic texts that condemn same sex marriage, so saying God forbids it is a specious argument. It is merely a cover for either fear, prejudice or both. Don't forget, each KKK chapter has a chaplain (Kludd) to bless their activities.

The states should take the lead in legitimizing same-sex marriages until the feds have no alternative and accept it as well. It would be an exercise in states rights that are withering away from disuse.

This. I agree. The states could actually take back the power. *sigh* But most won't. I know the state I live in will be one of the last, if it ever happens. *sigh again*