Abstract
The authors compared 793 nonheterosexual baby boomers on their relationship status (single or in a civil union) and the state in which they lived (did or did not recognize same-sex civil unions). Analyses revealed patterns attributable to participants’ relationship status, state recognition, and the combination of these variables. Findings showed that state recognition of same-sex unions has an impact not only on nonheterosexual individuals’ current quality of life but also on their future plans and emotional responses to those plans. A lack of legal recognition requires nonheterosexuals to take greater action to ensure that their end-of-life wishes will be carried out, and may lead to their having increased fears about late life.
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de Vries, B., Mason, A.M., Quam, J. et al. State recognition of same-sex relationships and preparations for end of life among lesbian and gay boomers. Sex Res Soc Policy 6, 90–101 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03165990
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03165990