Q&A with Christine Johnson, director of S.C. Equality

Christine Johnson, a Charleston native and former Utah lawmaker, reveals the progress and setbacks in South Carolina for the state's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and her goals as director of S.C. Equality, an educational and political advocacy organization.

She sat down with The Post and Courier to talk about the issues.

Q: What can gays and lesbians do in other states that they can't do in South Carolina?

A: The biggest thing is relationship recognition. Even in states where there is not full marriage equality, there are civil unions; there are domestic partner recognitions; there are statewide employment non-discrimination policies that mirror the federal nondiscrimination bill that is in the works.

Other states have taken a very serious stand against hate crime. In South Carolina, we are one of only five that hasn't.

Q: What rights do husbands and wives have that gay couples do not?

A: There are over 1,050 federal rights that are granted when you're married. That's even difficult to imagine. It would be difficult for me to even list them all. They are so pervasive and they creep into everything from probate to your children to assets to your property to powers of attorney and decision making; the sort of default rights that you're given to make decisions for or with your partner.

Q: Do you see gay marriage or civil unions ever being a possibility in South Carolina with the constitutional amendment, affirming that marriage is between a man and a woman, on the books?

A: Yes, I think eventually it is a possibility. In the meantime, it's our goal to secure protections where we can and educate the public; demystify the LGBT community so that when marriage occurs, South Carolinians are prepared.

Q: Do you think government-sanctioned marriage will come on the federal level before it would come on the state level?

A: Yes. It's a debate that is ongoing. The Obama administration is facing pressure. Obama has said he is not in favor of marriage equality, but he is in favor of civil unions, which would offer the same federal benefits but with a different title. I think the national LGBT community has been pretty clear that we expect a full shift from him. There is no justification for making it less than. Equal is equal.

Q: How is life changing for those in this community?

A: I see LGBT South Carolinians being more empowered. I see them becoming active participants in their own futures, in their own families, in securing protections. I envision the LGBT community as stepping up and saying, 'We're tired of being treated as second-class citizens.'

Q: How would South Carolina benefit from a realization of the goals of S.C. Equality?

A: From cradle to grave we would benefit. Anytime there is a minority population that is targeted, belittled, disrespected or treated as second class, it impacts how they function as a society.

I think about how kids are taunted or teased and harassed and intimidated at schools because of their sexual orientation, something they can't control. I think about the couples that want to live committed, loving lives. They want to celebrate that commitment and are denied that opportunity. The lives they build together are so compromised. I think that a little understanding goes a long way.