Baby steps people, baby steps!

According to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center:

(www.gaycenter.org)

"As a result of the holiday card campaign (Center Happenings, February 2007) spearheaded by the Center, homeless domestic partners will no longer have to face the unfair choice of being cold or being alone. Starting February 1, 2007, any couple in a domestic partnership relationship, regardless of sexual orientation, that applies for family shelter from the [New York] Department of Homeless Services (DHS) will only have to supply as much documentation that is required of married couples. DHS has stated that the policy change will be conducted on a six month “pilot” period."

In the midst of the political and ideological debates around gay marriage and civilian unions, I find this small step forward by one organization a breath of fresh air, especially in light of the fact that it is a government organization and that it is a center for people generally considered by hegemonic culture to be one of the lowest forms of American citizens, often stereotyped as lazy, uneducated or irresponsible alcoholics. (FYI, I don't consider them to be the lower forms of citizens)

However, I can hear the opposition now..."if every homeless person or single person who is unable to get support individually claims that they are in a domestic partnership, then they'll be able to get benefits too! They need to stay where they belong." Or "If homeless people receive rights as domestic partners, what's next, adoption rights for domestic partners, shared health insurance plans? The world is going to hell" Sound like something Bill O'Reilly might say? Surely not even he would stoop that low, or would he.?