Today's letter - gays can't marry but straights can domestic partner

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger -

Did you know that in California, same-sex couples cannot be married, but opposite-sex couples can be domestic partners?

Apparently by Federal law, if you are being paid your dead spouse's Social Security and remarry, you lose your deceased partner's benefits. Our domestic partnership law has a carve-out for straight people over the age of 62 so they can keep their former spouse's social security benefits, yet enjoy survivorship, inheritance and hospital visitation with their new partner.

I think that stinks. I've been in a domestic partnership since 2000; I pay MORE than the same taxes, but I can't get my partner's Social Security at all. If I were in a heterosexual relationship, I would not only be able to get my husband's benefits, but also defraud the government in my next relationship.

California should have one word for marriage: "marriage." Please sign AB 43 and get rid of this nonsense.

Offended, but still yours,