Same sex relationships are treated as “less than” heterosexual relationships in the American society, government professor Brian Disarro said during a discussion in the UniversityUnion today.

“There is a certain level of societal recognition and respect that same sex couples do not receive,” DiSarro said. “There is a certain sense that same sex relationships are less than heterosexual relationships.”

The PRIDECenter hosted a discussion about the differences of marriage and domestic partnership and the struggles that same-sex couples experience, especially after the passing of Proposition 8 in 2008.

DiSarro and PRIDE Center co-coordinator Nicole Scanlan led the discussion in front of about 40 students.Since 1966, the federal government has not considered same sex couples as married, which has had a huge effect on health care coverage, higher taxes, and other aspects for same sex spouses, DiSarro said.

Scanlan said she has experienced the financial and personal struggles that accompany same sex marriages.

“Although I am married, I’m still not considered equal to my straight friends, which puts me into a weird position,” Scanlan said.

Scanlan married her wife in October 2008, when same sex marriage was legal.When her spouse attempted to add Scanlan to her health care coverage through her company, she was told that no action would be taken until the decision was reached on Proposition 8.

“All these moments of invalidation, along with the thousands of dollars in legal documents, are what make the process of same sex marriage so difficult,” Scanlan said.

Yashimia Ford, sophomore business management major, said the event was informative for both straight and gay students.

“It is important for all students to be educated about this issue,” Ford said. “There are too many people out there that don’t know the real differences between marriage and domestic partnership.”

The issue of society’s perception of the gay community was also discussed, with DiSarro mentioning how education and awareness helped people accept the idea of interracial marriage years ago.

“We are trying to progress towards acceptance, which helps people put a face with the ideology and realize that real people are a part of this issue,” Scanlan said.

The discussion closed with DiSarro explaining a cycle of advancement. Gay rights organizations are sending representatives to cities all over the country in order to get support from individuals and counties, which will allow for a stronger support system on a national level.

“One of the fortunate aspects of living in America is the fact that I have the ability to change government,” Scanlan said. “If relationship validation is part of our right to pursue happiness, then the government should support all of us.”

Ricky Alejandro can be reached at [email protected].