subject: Nessel Defense Law Works Hard to Protect your Gay Rights [print this page] Nessel Defense Law Works Hard to Protect your Gay Rights
Gay rights and equality are important issues facing us in the 21st century. In the United States, only five states Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire recognize same sex marriages as a legally binding union between gays and lesbians. This is especially problematic because of the discrimination received and the rights refused to gays and lesbians who enter into marriage or attempt to attain custody of children.
For example, in the state of Michigan, the law does not recognize same sex marriages and it also bans recognition of gay and lesbian marriages performed outside of the state of Michigan[JB1] . This can cause financial turmoil and stress since same sex partners are often times denied spousal health insurance in states such as Michigan where same sex marriages are not legally recognized. In many instances the high medical costs and out-of-pocket prescriptions can financially and mentally overwhelm gays and lesbians denied spousal insurance. In fact, extreme cases in Michigan have shown where same sex couples had to foreclose on their home to afford medical attention.
Moreover and again focusing on gay and lesbian rights in Michigan parenting and child custody issues have plagued gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered individuals seeking to adopt or attain child custody. Michigan law states it is permissible for gays and lesbians to adopt and parent children. However, gay and lesbian parents are often denied child custody simply because a judge can deny custody based upon sexual orientation. This type of discrimination based upon sexual orientation has ripped families apart and left loved ones scattered, but nonetheless these unpopular rulings have been challenged in the Michigan courts of law by Nessel Defense Law.
In a seminal 2010 gay rights custody case in Michigan, Nessel Defense Law fought diligently for child custody between two same sex partners. Nessel Defense Law's hard fought battle for justice brought a same sex custody petition to a courtroom hearing that would have broad-reaching and precedent-setting legal ramifications since it would be the first time gays and lesbians would legally be permitted to obtain joint custody of children. Currently in Michigan only biological parents or the husband of biological parents can petition for child custody.
For more than 17 years Nessel Defense Law has fought hard in Detroit, Michigan for all gay rights issues such as, child custody matters, gay marriage, gender identity and expression, and anti-discrimination. This particular case is one example of how Nessel Defense Law is helping to usher gay rights and equality into the 21st century. However, it will take tolerance, understanding and great legal turmoil to stop the indifference, discrimination and lack of rights facing the gay community.
