At the same time Maryland's highest court and its General Assembly debate same-sex marriage, a Baltimore man is fighting his own legal battle to honor the dying wishes of his late partner.
Michael Rogers at BlogActive reports on the case of Kevin-Douglas Olive, who was in a committed, loving relationship for 6 years with Russell Groff. "Sadly, Russell became sick as a result of HIV; Kevin-Douglas was by his partner’s side during every minute of this painful illness. These two men made some very important decisions before Russell’s death in 2004, [including] preparing a will to ensure that Russell’s wishes would be followed at the time of his death. Kevin-Douglas and Russell purchased the grave site near their childhood homes, and Russell’s body was buried there after his death."
Unfortunately, Russell’s parents "never accepted their son as he was" and is fighting to exhume his remains, wanting the body moved to a family plot. More on the legal battle, and how you can help, at BlogActive.
· Colombia's highest court has granted property rights to gay couples.
The Constitutional Court granted gay couples living together the same inheritance rights as heterosexual couples. This is considered the most significant advance ever in this conservative Roman Catholic nation. A bill granting social security guarantees to gay couples is pending in Congress.
· Iran Gomes, star of Big Brother 6 Brasil, shows it all and proves that he really is a "big" brother.
· Report: Rampant police abuse of gays continues in Chile.
· The Italian cabinet approves rights for gay couples. Despite strong opposition from the Vatican, the coalition government made good on campaign promises to extend basic guarantees to gay and unwed couples. The bill is more restrictive than other laws in Europe, but guarantees registered couples property, inheritance and pension rights. The bill faces debate in Parliament, which must approve it.
"Marry" land doesn't very "merry" right now at all...
Posted by: Andy in Seattle | 10 February 2007 at 01:29
Hey Rod!
Maryland: wow..what a mess! It really upsetting how the groff family is acting. they should just let his remains stay where they are and move on....it just seems really jacked up that they are fighting this man to have his remains moved...and with the current debates on gay marriage going on period....these are some sad times, indeed.
Iran Gomes from Big Brother Brazil--GOOD GOT DAMN!!!! WOW...talk about a "big boy"...i would be QUITE happy to "assist" him with any "fluffing" issues he has..:)
Posted by: ryan | 10 February 2007 at 22:48