NG: No…it depends on how you define civil unions. I certainly do not believe anything which resembles marriage should apply to anyone except a man and a woman. But I do think that a number of contractual things, if you want to designate somebody for your pension, or you want to allow somebody to come visit you in the hospital, I think there are specific kind of patterns of affection that we should not be inhumane about.
Wimpy. What is this "patterns of affection" business? No one should get anything as a reward for being immoral. Period. Hospitals decide visitation rules so it is not a gov't thing. Heck, My married brother's girlfriend was allowed back in intensive care at a Catholic hospital, so don't give me this nonsense that it is an issue. And you can draw up a contract and leave your estate to whomever you please. If there are more taxes because you are not married then tough. Either let everyone inherit without paying taxes or don't. But don't give special tax breaks to people just because they like to have unnatural sex. If "love" is your standard, then let friends leave their pensions to friends if they choose. Immoral sex should not advantage anyone.
"Immoral sex should not advantage anyone."
Speak for yourself. I'm hoping it's at least good for me.
[rimshot]