AboutSuzanne Gerstner Expertise I can answer questions on all aspects of the Baha`i Faith, but am most interested in the spiritual teachings of this and other Faiths, and the interconnectedness of all religions. I believe that true religion should bring about love and unity. This is what the world really needs right now and the Baha`i teachings have a lot to offer on this subject.
Experience I've been a Baha'i for the past 23 years and have been answering questions on the newsgroup soc.religion.bahai since 1998.
Education/Credentials BA in Liberal Arts; Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and am currently working on an MA in psychotherapy.
Question I have been seeing a man of the Bahai faith for four years. We have not been intimate. These are his wishes. We would like to marry but there is a problem. I have epilepsy. SSI pays for my medication which is approximately $3000.00 a month. Maybe a little more. If I go to the county and get a marriage license, then I will lose my SSI. This wonderful gentleman also has a disability. He has broken his back and spends his life in considerable pain. He too is on Social Security. A marriage with a legal certificate will mean I can't get my meds. I know that people in Iran get married without the legal certificate. He has written the General Assembly explaining this problem. Is it possible to marry without the legal certificate? I wanted to ask your opinion. Joanna
Answer Dear Joanna,
I'm afraid I can't answer this question. It's really terrible that you would be penalized like that just for getting married. That is certainly an example of a dysfunctional law. It isn't just or fair, and it doesn't promote the institution of marriage. I hope that this issue can be resolved and that you can be married and have long and happy life together.
