Q: Is this standard practice or just blatant ignorance? Is it considered some sort of discrimination?
When my partner and I received our marriage license in the post, from the County Clerks office, a STI/HIV pamphlet was included. We are a gay couple, but it felt very pointed and completely irrelevant.
A:
Receiving an STI/HIV pamphlet with your marriage license is often part of public health initiatives aimed at informing all couples about sexual health. Many county offices include such materials as a standard practice to promote awareness and prevention. This inclusion is generally not targeted at any specific group but is meant to benefit everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
However, it’s understandable that receiving this pamphlet as a gay couple might feel particularly pointed or irrelevant to your situation. If the material seemed out of place or insensitive, it’s important to address your concerns with the County Clerk’s office. They can provide clarification on why the pamphlet was included and ensure that their practices are respectful and inclusive.
In terms of discrimination, providing general health information is not typically considered discriminatory. However, if you believe that the pamphlet was specifically targeting or singling out your relationship, it may warrant further discussion. Seeking advice from a legal professional or a local civil rights organization can help you understand your rights and determine if any discriminatory actions have occurred.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.