Gay couples can use married names on passports

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hm4Hp9uzFNlX5rjZPhgbcLxt1WVAD98TTA6G2

By DENISE LAVOIE

BOSTON (AP) — Gay couples can now use their married names on U.S. passports.

The State Department says it will allow same-sex couples to get passports under the names recognized by their state through marriages or civil unions.

The notice says the change does not mean the department is recognizing the validity of same-sex marriages and civil unions.

Keith Toney says he was turned down in 2007 when he applied for a passport using his married name. The government cited the Defense of Marriage Act prohibiting federal recognition of same-sex partnerships.

He and Al Toney got a letter this week from the Justice Department notifying them of the passport regulation change last month.

[Psychic Consortium]

1. Brick by brick Obama builds a system of rights that no one can take away, ever.

Do not be discouraged.
Full rights are coming to you.

[hulklogan]

2. More like pebble by pebble.

But the sentiment is welcome. :patriot:

[Psychic Consortium]

3. :) Pebble by pebble is much better than a house of cards.....

which can fall easily. Obama builds a secure complex set of rights
which look like drops in the bucket, but at some point will add up to a
rather formidable array of human rights. The kind that count. Real rights,
not just flashy empty gestures such as those done by the GOP.

The dots will be connected at some point and you shall see what PC means.

[MNBrewer]

4. This is insulting!

In dribs and drabs the crumbs keep being doled out!

A formidable array? More like a patchwork quilt with lots of holes.

[Psychic Consortium]

5. There will be only honor, no insult. nt

[hulklogan]

6. Being able to use your legal name on your passport is hardly a "real right"

It is a good thing for sure but please don't confuse it with full equality under the law.

[Psychic Consortium]

7. You are correct. But piece by piece a beautiful mosaic will emerge.

That the Palins and McCains of this world cannot destroy.
Ever.

[hulklogan]

8. And it will take three times as long as it took Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling

*sigh*

There are going to be so many people who will need to hear "I told you so" in a few years.

[Psychic Consortium]

10. Yes but PC is too polite to request an I told you so. :)

There will be full human legal rights to all.
No doubt whatsoever.

[MNBrewer]

11. In spite of Obama, not because of him.

[Psychic Consortium]

12. Human rights are won by the work of many. And that is as it should be.

The time is right for all to be treated with respect and dignity. It will happen. And it will not be the result of any one person. But the work of the collective.

The energy of HM is with us now. It is palpable.
Do not be discouraged, never give up, and fight the good fight.

[MNBrewer]

13. I know it will happen.

Which side of history will Obama be on? The tepidly supportive side?

[Psychic Consortium]

14. He is on the side of right. You will see.

Never give up and do not be discouraged.

[MNBrewer]

15. Not yet, he's not.

[donco6]

9. never mind

too snarky.