After his partner fell ill, a gay man in Texas was allegedly torn from his side and kicked out of the home they shared by a vindictive, estranged relative simply because they were not married.

Lon Watts, via Gay Marriage USA, shared their heartbreaking story on Facebook:

My partner Jim (left) and I (Lon) shared 34 Years together!! The past 6 years he has suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was hospitalized last year. His estranged sister filed for guardianship of him and won. We gave each other Power of Attorney, which she never revealed in court as I was never mentioned nor considered nor notified. She put him in a Nursing Home and had criminal trespass orders against me to keep me away from him. I’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO SEE HIM AGAIN! She got his bank account from Social Security Disability and sold his house out from under me. I had 2 weeks to vacate uur [sic] home of 12 years. If we were EQUAL in the eyes of the law we would be together till the end. But as it stands in Texas, a money hungry greedy relative was able to steal our life and toss me out as trash to pad her pocketbook. I pray God has mercy on her soul for her evil deeds. I am content knowing the world is coming around to acknowledge that ALL HUMANS ARE CREATED EQUAL and SHOULD HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS.

Their story sadly mirrors that of Roger Gorley and Allen Mansell of Kansas City, Missouri. When Alan was taken to the hospital weeks ago, Roger refused to leave his side and was forcibly removed despite having Power of Attorney.

Both stories perfectly illustrate the need for the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage, without which loving couples like Roger and Allen and Lon and Jim are woefully left vulnerable and deprived of protection under the law.

Anyone with legal advice is encouraged to contact Lon through his Facebook page.

(h/t: The New Civil Rights Movement)