Special rights

One of the arguements that has risen up during this time of trying to get ENDA passed is that of "special rights". Conservatives have been using this arguement saying that granting employment discrimination rights for the gay, lesbian and transgender citizens would in essense be considered granting special rights to a "special group".

I find this ironic when looking at the marriage issue. Could we are gay and lesbians not use this arguement for our case in support of gay marriage? I propose that the rights given to ONLY heterosexuals (or those choosing to marry someone of the opposite sex) should be equate to "special rights for a special group".

According to most legal references, there are approximately 1400 rights granted to "married" couples that no one else is entitled.

For example here are a few of them:

Joint parental rights of children
Joint adoption
Status as "next-of-kin" for hospital visits and medical decisions
Right to make a decision about the disposal of loved ones remains
Immigration and residency for partners from other countries
Crime victims recovery benefits
Domestic violence protection orders
Judicial protections and immunity
Automatic inheritance in the absence of a will
Public safety officers death benefits
Spousal veterans benefits
Social Security
Medicare
Joint filing of tax returns
Wrongful death benefits for surviving partner and children
Bereavement or sick leave to care for partner or children
Child support
Joint Insurance Plans
Tax credits including: Child tax credit, Hope and lifetime learning credits
Deferred Compensation for pension and IRAs
Estate and gift tax benefits
Welfare and public assistance
Joint housing for elderly
Credit protection
Medical care for survivors and dependents of certain veterans
Family medical leave to care for a sick spouse (not legally married, not legally spouse)

Perhaps instead of letting this arguement be used to our detriment, we use it for our good.