Not Quite a Blog

Man, I wish we were more like France sometimes:

The PACS [or Civil Solidarity Pact] was introduced a decade ago by France's then-Socialist Party government. Parliament approved the measure only after a fierce debate because, although its wording was deliberately ambiguous, the arrangement was understood mainly as a way for gay couples to legalize their unions even though under French law they are not allowed to marry.

In passing the law without making it specific to gays, however, France distinguished itself from other European countries that have approved civil unions or even marriage for same-sex couples. As a result of that ambiguity, the PACS broadened into an increasingly popular third option for heterosexual couples, who readily cite its appeal: It has the air of social independence associated with the time-honored arrangement that the French call the "free union" but with major financial and other advantages. It is also far easier to get out of than marriage. --- ("Straight Couples in France Are Choosing Civil Unions Meant for Gays")

Michelle and I are about to celebrate having been together for ten years.

We have no desire nor plans to get married. In fact, because of tax advantages and, vastly more important, health care, we almost recently hopped on the PATH to get married in NYC at their new Marriage Bureau. Alas, that was more than either of us felt comfortable doing.

So, despite the fact that my work health plan would cover us if we were married or gay and in a civil union or domestic partnership, we'll have to find another way to cover Michelle and we won't be able to take advantage of the legal benefits of a civil union or domestic partnership until one of us gets a sex change or turns 65.

Lame.