Maine legalizes gay marriage

I notice it states "individual" not a "businesses", so it doesn't actually give the right to the business itself, right? More so to an independent person, perhaps working for the company?In this case I would say that CS is on point about individual rights, both for the couple, and the individual photographer, caterer, trumpetist, etc.I guess my question is, does this law protect the "businesses" rights or just an "individuals" right to choose to deny service on the basis of religious beliefs?Surely a company can't claim religious affiliation, right?- Oni

---

"I smoke pot. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."--Bill Hicks"I never knew there was another option other than to question everything"--Noam Chomsky

Hi Michamus, Actually it does qualify as a marriage for straight couples, in certain states.It's refered to as Common Law Marraige, and is recognized as a legally binded marriage.

quote:

---

Common-law marriage (or common law marriage), sometimes called de facto marriage, informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute, is a form of interpersonal status which is legally recognized in some jurisdictions as a marriage even though no legally recognized marriage ceremony is performed or civil marriage contract is entered into or the marriage registered in a civil registry. A common law marriage is legally binding in some jurisdictions but has no legal consequence in others. In some jurisdictions without true common law marriages (e.g. Hungary), the term "common law marriage" is used as a synonym for non-marital relationships such as domestic partnership or reciprocal beneficiaries relationship.

---

However, in none of the US states that allow for CLM would a gay couple be considered married by common law.Here's the Common Law Marriage in the US specifics.

quote:

---

Common-law marriage can still be contracted in eleven states (Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire (posthumously), Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah) and in the District of Columbia.

---

Again, the same rights extended to straight couples are not available for gay couples. Each states specifically says "husband and wife".- Oni

---

"I smoke pot. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."--Bill Hicks"I never knew there was another option other than to question everything"--Noam Chomsky

Actually, I'm from Florida and have studied this for my own defense - lol - since I tend to live with random chicks every now and then J/K. You're right, Florida doesn't have a common law marriage "law" BUT they do recognize other states common law marriages. Florida Common Law Marriage.

quote:

---

A "common law marriage" is one in which the parties may hold themselves out as a husband and wife, and under certain circumstances, be deemed married without a marriage license or ceremony. Florida doesn't have a common law marriage, however Florida does recognize common law marriages that occurred in other states.

---

A better question would be, if other states DID consider gay couples CLM'ied, would Florida recognize that too?- OniEdited by onifre, : No reason given.

---

"I smoke pot. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."--Bill Hicks"I never knew there was another option other than to question everything"--Noam Chomsky

As I wrote the question I kinda answered it for myself. I would say that since they don't recognize, currently, any out of state gay marriages they wouldn't recognize any out of state common law marriages.Rant:This is where I begin to develop such animosity for humans and their opinions. Who gives a shit what 2 people do - adults of course.Marriage doesn't mean anything. Marry your dog, marry a rock, marry whatever you want, it doen't mean anything. We made the whole thing up. We are free to do with it what we please. Get rid of marriage all together, nothing will happen, nothing at all. We can call it "dhjgntjtuioiooie" equally and not change anything about it. The fact that we get so high and mighty about these arbitrary words that carry absolutely no meaning seems ridiculous to me. Chicken fucker!!!

---

"I smoke pot. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."--Bill Hicks"I never knew there was another option other than to question everything"--Noam Chomsky