Scratching One's Head

Just in case you had lost sight of the idea that politics and farce have common roots:

BOSTON (AP) -- Opponents of same-sex marriage announce legislation to provide hospital visitation and other rights to gay couples.

The bill is meant to counter claims that banning same-sex marriage would deny certain rights to gay couples.

Claims? Alas, AP, your editorial skills have gone to hell in a handbasket. Read the fucking laws.

Now, if you're wondering what genius is standing behind this gesture...

It was unveiled at the Statehouse by Rehoboth State Representative Philip Travis.

Under the "Benefits Fairness Act," couples unable to legally wed would be able to enter a legal arrangement which provides rights for hospital visitation, after-death decisions, inheritance and estate designation and mental health decisions.

A ballot question that would amend the state Constitution to outlaw gay marriage is currently making its way through the Legislature.

Travis' bill would apply to gay couples and other family relationships such as siblings or cousins living together.

In other, saner quarters, "Benefits Fairness" is known as civil union or civil marriage, depending which side of the semantic fault line you're on. My ill head thinks this has the scent of an attempt to whitewash a pre-acknowledged defeat. Can someone tell me if this has really happened, or am I just hallucinating again?

More proof that this lot are marginalising themselves faster than the snow melting in my back yard.