Gay marriages should be legal

For married couples, a simple marriage certificate is enough to receive spousal benefits from employers. For same-sex couples, getting benefits for a partner is often out of the question.

            Some companies already provide domestic partner benefits. Companies including Nike, Microsoft, General Motors and Walt Disney provide benefits, and more companies should follow their example.

Companies that do not offer benefits often claim "domestic partners" is too vague a term. This argument can be eliminated with a clear policy that defines domestic partners.

One such policy is used by Dublin-based Online Computer Library Center. Its policy clearly defines domestic partners  — two individuals who live together and intend to do so permanently as part of a commitment similar to marriage.       

The company also has criteria, such as a joint mortgage or lease and a joint bank or credit account, that same-sex couples must meet before benefits are offered. Making a clear policy would help define the gray area regarding domestic partner benefits.

Even with a clear definition of the term domestic partner, discrepancies can arise among companies. Married couples have no trouble getting benefits, so legalizing gay marriages would be a good way to ensure benefits for all couples.

If same-sex marriages were legalized, the issue of same-sex partner benefits would be moot. Companies that offer spousal benefits could continue to do so, and same-sex couples no longer would be excluded.

Legalizing same-sex marriages would ensure that same sex couples get equal rights. Same-sex couples no longer would have to jump through hoops to prove they were domestic partners. They would have a marriage certificate just like other marred couples.

Domestic partner benefits should be provided. To ensure they are offered equally everywhere, gay marriages must be legalized.