Arguably, the state constitutional ban against gay marriage and couple's entitlements means that gay couples don't have access to the same public benefits as heterosexual couples, despite paying taxes which support these benefit packages.
At what point can gay couples argue they are being taxed to pay for services they can't access.
At what point can gay couples argue that state officials and representatives are condoning taxation without compensation or representation.
2007-02-02 13:17:06 · 14 answers · asked by positively_ebullient 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
I suppose I wasn't clear about the scope of the query.
I am not advocating that gay people should literally not pay taxes. I wanted to attract attention to the constitutional enshrinement of "separate, and unequal treatment" in Michigan, not to start a revolution.
I thought that by comparing the quandary faced by gay couples to that of British settlers in North America I might turn a few heads.
I was also hoping that the debate would centre around inequity and responsible civil disobedience rather than technical arguments.
That gay couples receive the benefits of roadways and park systems does not reduce the injustice of not being afforded access to otherwise universal insurance provisions.
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2007-02-02 14:10:44 · update #1
Yeah, and I agree it stinks, BUT, they can arrest you for not paying your taxes. Gay folks aren't alone. Poor folks, folks without medical care, and every student or teacher, are all being poorly served.
You can, however, pay your taxes "Under Protest". I don't know how much effect that would have. Anyway, they can arrest you for not paying your taxes, but not for being Gay (So Far..).
2007-02-02 13:27:18 · answer #1 · answered by Gordon M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If eventually they want to end up afoul of the law, do not pay. I do not know if this is state or federal, either way both would take legal action, the government is always looking to fuel their fires.
There are benefits we all cannot access. I cannot get social assistance (EBT) I make too much. My neighbor with three kids gets EBT makes more money and has a newer car, it is legal and in the scale, in theory I am paying for his groceries. We elected them they wrote it and we are individually stuck with it. Remember we are in the 21st century not the 18th, its a little hard as an individual to dress up like an (Indian) aboriginal American and throw the tea in the harbor. Collectively we can vote them out. Until then don't pay taxes and go to jail.
2007-02-02 13:36:35 · answer #2 · answered by jhnjohnstone 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The whole system is based on the idea that everyone should pay for everyone else. If people had the choice of paying taxes or simply finding a better provider of services than government, you bet they would choose not to pay taxes! Our taxation system is a very effective defense against such liberties. A couple with no children has to pay school taxes. A couple who sends their children to private school also pays for someone else's kids to go to public school. A property "owner" will forfeit his property if he doesn't pay property taxes. The list goes on.
The sad/funny thing is that the gay couple who refuses to pay taxes will likely be branded a thief.
2007-02-02 14:35:55 · answer #3 · answered by MinstrelInTheGallery 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, as they have the exact same rights and entitlements as other single people, which they are legally considered. I'm all for gay marriage, but can tell you as a married person there are far more entitlements available to single people then married people anyhow. It's based on income in the majority of the cases. Married people have two incomes that count for them each individually.
2007-02-02 13:39:37 · answer #4 · answered by MEL T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why the federal government doesn't ban it. It would be a violation of the constitution since marriage benefits are written into the tax code.
2007-02-02 13:23:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In what way are they being denied benefits which are paid for by taxes? Emergency services, roads, public education...all of these are paid for with taxes, and none of them have anything to do with one's sexual orientation. They aren't entitled to marriage, but any 'benefit' that is associated with this union has little or nothing to do with taxes.
2007-02-02 13:49:04 · answer #6 · answered by Joseph G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they are being taxed for services they are not entitled to, but they do use the state and federal infrastructure (highways, state parks, etc.). I see your point, but you are compensated for your taxation..........albeit to a lesser extent. Arbitration might be a good idea here.
2007-02-02 13:24:57 · answer #7 · answered by Beachman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I understand your argument, you should still pay your taxes. If you do not pay the taxes then the state will still get it, but then you will also be paying penalties and interest. The state will get even more money out of you.
2007-02-02 13:28:25 · answer #8 · answered by LeLe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the state disallows gay marriages, then they are not married and should pay their taxes like anyone else.
2007-02-02 13:26:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They could choose to not pay taxes, but they'll just get in trouble. They should wright to their congressman and complain if it bothers them that much.
2007-02-02 13:21:35 · answer #10 · answered by Gemini Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋