Why Marriage Matters, Ctd

Because gay couples are still treated with barbarous cruelty:

Clay Greene and his partner of 20 years, Harold Scull, lived in Sebastopol, California. As long-time partners, they had named each other beneficiaries of their respective estates and agents for medical decisions. As 2008 began, Scull was 88 years old and in deteriorating health. Greene, 11 years younger, was physically strong, but beginning to show signs of cognitive impairment. As Scull's health declined, it became apparent that they would need assistance, but the men resisted outside help. In April of 2008, Scull fell down the front steps of their home. Greene immediately called an ambulance and Scull was taken to the hospital. There, the men's nightmare began.

While Scull was hospitalized, Deputy Public Guardians went to the men's home, took photographs, and commented on the desirability and quality of the furnishings, artwork, and collectibles that the men had collected over their lifetimes. Ignoring Greene entirely, the County petitioned the Court for conservatorship of Scull's estate. Outrageously referring to Greene only as a "roommate" and failing to disclose their true relationship, the County continued to treat Scull as if he had no family. The County sought immediate temporary authority to revoke Scull's powers of attorney, to act without further notice, and to liquidate an investment account to pay for Scull's care. Then, despite being granted only limited powers, and with undue haste, the County arranged for the sale of the men's personal property, cleaned out their home, terminated their lease, confiscated their truck, and eventually disposed of all of the men's worldly possessions, including family heirlooms, at a fraction of their value and without any proper inventory or determination of whose property was being sold.

Adding further insult to grave injury, the county removed Greene from their home and confined him to a nursing home against his will--a different placement from his partner. Greene was kept from seeing Scull during this time, and his telephone calls were limited. Three months after Scull was hospitalized, he died, without being able to see Greene again.

This is what the absence of marriage protection does to us. Dan Savage lets rip. Get angrier.