[netnichols]

Your definition of "partner" is very limited. You might want look at some other definitions before making potentially offensive statements like that:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partner

In this case, the mother's partner is another woman, implying that the woman is in a lesbian relationship. So your joke about 'meant to say spouse' could be quite hurtful if they would actually like to be married but can't because of current marriage laws.

Not to mention that your comment simply sounds ignorant and/or homophobic. Just thought I'd clue you in to why you're getting downvoted, in case it wasn't obvious.