Tom & Ron's story - why marriage equality is necessary

THIS is why Federal recognition of marriage rights for the LGBT community is important. This is why DOMA needs to be repealed.

If Ron was female he would have enough money to keep his home. He now has to sell the home he shared with his partner of 55 years.

Social Security allows for the surviving member of a married couple to receive the larger of the two Social Security checks - either the survivor's or the member who passed away. This is how it works for heterosexual couples.

Not for gay or lesbian couples.

Marriage equality isn't about "redefining" anything. It's about equality.

It's that black and white. Nothing to do with religion and everything to do with rights that come attached to a civil marriage license issued by a civil government. This is why these are civil rights issues.

"Liberty and justice for all."