More Federal Privileges to Extend to Same-Sex Couples

According to a story in today's New York Times the federal government will soon treat married same-sex couples the same as heterosexual couples when they file for bankruptcy, testify in court or visit family in prison. That is great news and shows still more progress for the gay community. However, what about all the gay couples living in states where gay marriage is not allowed. I live in one such state. Despite the fact that we went the route of a state-recognized domestic partnership and spent hundreds of dollars with an attorney drawing up all kinds of necessary legal protections for ourselves and each other, this move by the federal government would do nothing for us. It will be nice when all states allow gay marriage (note my optimism) or legal domestic partnerships are granted certain rights by the federal government. In the meantime, I applaud the federal government and am grateful for every step forward we as a community are able to take.