This Is Exactly Why Gay Couples Need Marriage Rights

[ruggerson]

And why we have to fight the "religious right" and the Republicans and, yes, even some Democrats who oppose equal justice under the law.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005512310342

Partner's death ends happy life on ranch
2 decades together mean nothing in Oklahoma law
By Jessie Torrisi
Columbia News Service
December 31, 2005


On the face of it, Sam Beaumont, 61, with his cowboy hat, deep-throated chuckle and Northwestern drawl, is not so different from the ranch hands in Ang Lee's critically acclaimed film "Brokeback Mountain," which opened in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
More "Romeo & Juliet" than "Rent," "Brokeback Mountain" challenges modern perceptions of what it means to be gay in rural America.

"Listen," the character Twist says to del Mar as part of a dream that goes unrealized. "I'm thinking, tell you what, if you and me had a little ranch together -- little cow and calf operation, your horses -- it'd be some sweet life."

That pretty much describes the life Beaumont had. He settled down with Earl Meadows and tended 50 head of cattle for a quarter-century on an Oklahoma ranch. "I was raised to be independent. I didn't really care what other people thought," Beaumont said.
In 1977, Beaumont was divorced and raising three sons after a dozen years in the Air Force when Meadows walked up to him near the Arkansas River.

"It was a pretty day -- January 15th, 65 degrees," Beaumont said. "He came up, we got to talkin' till 2 in the morning. I don't even remember what we said." But "I knew it was something special."

Beaumont moved to be with Meadows in his partner's hometown of Bristow, Okla., a place of 4,300 people. Together, they bought a ranch and raised Beaumont's three sons. The mortgage and most of the couple's possessions were put in Meadows' name.

(READ FULL ARTICLE AT LINK)

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005512310342

[Hissyspit]

1. Thanks for posting this. n/t

[cynatnite]

2. He was on 'Tying the Knot'...

A documentary about gay marriage and rights of partners. It's pretty good.

What happens to Sam is disgusting. Relatives that his partner hadn't seen in over 25 years are stealing everything he and Earl spent their lives building. It's a disgrace and our nation should be ashamed.

[marmar]

3. I saw Tying the Knot and Earl's story...

I was almost in tears. It is a disgrace and shows the blatant hypocrisy of "And liberty and justice for all." Bullshit.

[Warpy]

4. This is truly disgusting, and yes, it's one example of what can

happen without that marriage contract.

Other things are being blocked from seeing a partner in the hospital by phobe relatives, being unable to claim a deceased partner's body for burial in plots a couple had bought together, and dozens of other things people can be overruled on by relatives that crawl out of the woodwork when soemthing happens or there are a few bucks up for grabs.

Meadows's intent in his will was crystal clear, one witness short or not. That judge should be charged with judicial misconduct.

[connecticut yankee]

5. This was posted on DU yesterday

at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x172719

I think the biggest mistake the two men made was putting everything in Meadows' name, especially if Beaumont contributed so much. The article posted yesterday said Beaumont put $200,000 of his own money into the ranch. He ought to sue the relatives for it.

[ruggerson]

6. Thanks didn't see it

But it should be posted EVERY DAY until people start waking up.

[blue neen]

7. This country is in the shitcan,

but at least gays can't get married! We're a safer place because of it! :sarcasm:

This is a very sad story. These two people were partners in life and should be accorded the respect that they deserve.

[DRoseDARs]

8. The cousins are suing Beaumont for years of back rent? Wow, inhuman. nt

[ruggerson]

9. We should get Keith O. or someone on this

this should be a national story

[blue neen]

11. You're right.

The cousins are cruel beyond belief.

[donheld]

10. Your exactly right

This story is all to common. It's one great tragedy.

[progressoid]

12. good article, thanks!

[EC]

13. Cruel..

Something like this makes me hope there is a God, those cousins would receive proper retribution in Hell...This is just cruelness and greed...neither a Christian attribute

[NMMNG]

14. Just more of those wholesome "family values" in action.

:eyes:

[arikara]

15. That is so sad

I am grateful that at least Paul Martin brought in the gay marriage law here in Canada. One of my friends is marrying his partner, as he said that its the only way to ensure that pensions etc. go to each other. Unmarried heterosexual partners are protected by commonlaw but there is no such protection for gay partners unless they marry.

[dysfunctional press]

16. it truly is sad...

but-
they did choose to live in Oklahoma.

i won't break bread with reupblicans,
i won't shop at walmart
i won't watch fox (or nascar)
and i sure as hell would NEVER live in OK, TX, UT, FL or ID.

[IronLionZion]

17. That's sick

they kick the poor man out of his house then sue him for back rent! Thieves!

Regardless of my religous views, that is just wrong. Gay couples need legal rights to protect them from this kind of robbery.

[Nikki Stone 1]

18. kick

:kick: