11.   But comparisons with the current data are not valid because census officials reclassified many of the couples as heterosexual couples.

12.   But lawyers for the couple disputed some of the allegations and said those factors would not have jeopardized custody for a heterosexual couple.

13.   But many also insist that these programs are weak imitations of the benefits routinely afforded heterosexual couples.

14.   But that rationale collapses under the reality that many heterosexual couples are infertile, choose not to have children or simply marry past childbearing age.

15.   But that sentiment is part of what motivates the surrogates who work with gay men, even though heterosexual couples are willing to pay surrogates as much.

16.   But this is a very narrow definition because it refers only to sexual intercourse, only to married couples, only to heterosexual couples.

17.   But unmarried heterosexual couples can also qualify under some of these company policies.

18.   Cambridge was among the first cities to adopt legislation granting gay and lesbian city workers the same benefits as married heterosexual couples.

19.   Chances are that they will be seriously disproportionate to the number of heterosexual couples since so many of them no longer bother to wed.

20.   County residents and local churches are sharply divided over the registry, which would allow gay and unmarried heterosexual couples to declare their relationship.