Mark McKinney and Steve Lepre of South Carolina have been together over 14 years. They own their home, pay their taxes, and are active participants in moving their community forward and helping their neighbors.
Regardless of the fact that they have taken responsibility for their partner's well-being, both economically and emotionally, legally their status is, at best, that of a roommate. Denied the freedom to marry, same-sex couples and their kids are deprived of literally thousands of legal and economic protections and responsibilities, as well as the emotional, social, and spiritual meaning that marriage has for many.
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