BRYAN PINN, left, and his friend Bill Dalrymple,
two heterosexuals, say they want to get married for the taxation
benefits of a union. (Ernest Doroszuk, SUN)
Sat, August 6, 2005
Wedding cashers
Straight pals want to marry - for tax breaks
By LESLEY WRIGHT, TORONTO SUN
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BRYAN PINN, left, and his friend Bill Dalrymple,
two heterosexuals, say they want to get married for the taxation
benefits of a union. (Ernest Doroszuk, SUN)
|
WHAT'S LOVE got to do with it?
Bill Dalrymple, 56, and best friend Bryan Pinn, 65, have decided to take the plunge and try out the new same-sex marriage legislation with a twist -- they're straight men.
"I think it's a hoot," Pinn said.
The proposal came last Monday on the patio of a Toronto bar amid shock and laughter from their friends. But the two -- both of whom were previously married and both of whom are still looking for a good woman to love -- insist that after the humour subsided, a real issue lies at the heart of it all.
"There are significant tax implications that we don't think the
government has thought through," Pinn said.
Dalrymple has been to see a lawyer already and there are no laws in marriage that define sexual preference.
"We heteros haven't done a great job with marriage as it is," Pinn said.
They want to shed light on the widespread financial implications of the new legislation and are willing to take it all the way.
There are obvious tax benefits to marriage, they said, but insisted they don't want their nuptials to insult gays and lesbians.
"I disagree with the government getting involved with what people should and shouldn't do," Dalrymple said. "Stay out of the bedrooms."
Words of warning came from Toronto lawyer Bruce Walker, a gay and lesbian rights activist.
"Generally speaking, marriage should be for love," he said. "People who don't marry for love will find themselves in trouble."
Since the introduction of Bill C-38, Walker considers himself retired in the fight for same-sex recognition.
Walker isn't personally insulted by the planned Pinn-Dalrymple union because he believes in personal freedoms and rights.
"If someone wants to do something foolish, let them do it," he said.
As for wedding plan, Pinn and Dalrymple haven't set a date.
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