Canada has WMDs

[kandrathe]

Yes, I agree. The issue of religious and moral freedom at some point intersects the state in enforcing laws meant to protect some, and to clarify legal responsibilities in others.

For instance, The Smart Case could be misconstrued as a right of a devotly religious man to have multiple wives. Or, is he a psychotic who kidnaps and abuses children?

Marriage in a State (or Federal) context, more to the point, usually clarifies a legal distinction in the sharing and ownership of property and other legal responsibilites. So, in the State's eyes as well as the church, the two become one, unless otherwise stated in some prenuptial contract. From a purely secular POV, it makes no difference what the sexes of the participants are in the contract.

But, I would caution that it may be just the camels nose in the tent, when it comes to the rights of those who live alternative lifestyles. Polygamy as you indicate, would be perhaps the next lifestyle to consider. Beyond the Mormons, I have met some people who are involved in polyamory, which to most, would seem very strange. In some cases I've seen, there are entire webs of complex committed relationships. I have no idea how you would manage that as a marriage.

As I see this issue unfolding, the only arguments against allowing same sex marriage in the USA will be foremost, the costs of additional domestic partner benefits, and then also the religious one.