08-18-2004, 03:19 AM
Well, I think it's just recognizing the fact that there is a family structure that is fairly common among the population, and giving some legal structure to the issue. I think our culture can take care of the morality issue, even for people who are not religious, and the government's position need not be more than legal. I can't see more people rushing out to get "unions" just because they're only a legal contract. Just about any two unmarried heterosexual adults can become legally married right now, and that need not be more than a contractual obligation between parties if that's what the couple wishes. They might have more difficulty finding a clergyperson (of a major church, anyway) to perform a ceremony in that case, but that's why a legal marriage is *already* different from a church marriage.
Maybe it is a euphamism, but I think it's only the fact that the word "marriage" is being used that most people are up in arms. By any other name, it seems like a majority is in favor of such a thing (the last numbers I heard were about 33% oppose, 33% support, and 33% support only "civil unions").
Maybe it is a euphamism, but I think it's only the fact that the word "marriage" is being used that most people are up in arms. By any other name, it seems like a majority is in favor of such a thing (the last numbers I heard were about 33% oppose, 33% support, and 33% support only "civil unions").
Why can't we all just get along
--Pete
--Pete