re: Two heterosexual Irish men marry to avoid inheritance tax on property

Strange bedfellows

I once knew these two Irish poofters. Their names were Michael Fitzpatrick and Patrick Fitzmichael.

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This story was tagged as “LGBT rights”, but honestly it makes a mockery of their “rights”

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I honestly don't think it does. People should have the right to give a platonic partner the rights and assets of a spouse. It shouldn't matter if you have sex or not or what you identify as.

I think their decision makes perfect sense if you also factor in that this is a patient/caregiver situation so being the spouse also gives you special rights medically and the ability to enact you patients wishes should they become unable to.

I guess i am opinionated because my uncle G was gay and was with his SO (aka my uncle R) for over 30+ years (childhood sweethearts, lol). Gay marriage was not legal in their lifetime together. They built an incredible life with their own wildly successful business and lived a decent quiet life.

Uncle R was diagnosed with brain cancer. But since G was not "family" to R legally it caused a huge issue. G's family suddenly stepped in and wanted all of R's assets and control of their jointly owned property which was a decent amount but depleted by the illness and the fight.

Now forget the money issue. Can you imagine your spouse of 3 decades getting brain cancer and you being told that you are not a factor in their life and can't see them because you are not "family". That people who have ignored him for all those decades and contributed nothing to your life are suddenly in charge because of a biological tie?

Still breaks my heart. They were both such wonderful people.

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Hence, my point

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Maybe the old geezer was feeling charitable?

It's more gay to hope these two are gay than it is to hope they're truly good friends.