Marriage is an odd institution, in itself. It seems (anthropologically speaking) that it was originally intended to shame people into monogamy, to make all potentially birth-giving unions recognized and structured by society. "Bastard" is just a curse word these days, and often a playful one; in the dark ages, it could brand you as an exile and make you bereft of lineage, power, inheritance, or even rights. In 21st century America, marriage is mostly just an invitation for over-taxation.
Lots of people like the tradition of marriage, of having the US government recognize their union. The majority of those who like it seem to be conservative, and therein lies the rub. (ahem)
If marriage is going to bestow specific privileges on a citizen, then it should be redefined as a legal union between two consenting adult humans who love one another.
On the other hand, if marriage is just symbolic and often more trouble than it's worth, then we could either disband it (unthinkable!) or ask this question: *why* do these people want to be married? I'm sure they've already made their love clear to each other, and their friends. But why does the world need to know about it?
I'm honestly curious, and no, I don't know if marriage is a beneficial privilege. Off-hand I'd say it's outmoded and detrimental.
Lots of people like the tradition of marriage, of having the US government recognize their union. The majority of those who like it seem to be conservative, and therein lies the rub. (ahem)
If marriage is going to bestow specific privileges on a citizen, then it should be redefined as a legal union between two consenting adult humans who love one another.
On the other hand, if marriage is just symbolic and often more trouble than it's worth, then we could either disband it (unthinkable!) or ask this question: *why* do these people want to be married? I'm sure they've already made their love clear to each other, and their friends. But why does the world need to know about it?
I'm honestly curious, and no, I don't know if marriage is a beneficial privilege. Off-hand I'd say it's outmoded and detrimental.