Agree...more important issues out there. Unfortunately, this one is being thrust in the presidents face. 3-4 mayors now just marrying people, I think largely for publicity.
What is the implication for the institution of marriage? Uncertain. It is a definition that has not changed for many years, and is undergoing problems with a 50% devorce rate. Some arguments against gay marriage include A) a higher than average (cw heterosexual) "partner turnover rate", B) the Scandinavian "experiment" where gay marriage has been permitted since mid 90s and now less persons are getting married while having kids. They have infact agrued in court that full "marriage benifits" should apply specifically citing that the redefinition opens thev door to a much braoder defintion. This cannot definatively said to be "cause & effect" IMO, however. Simiarly. polygomists and other non traditional groups will be likely to use this foot in the door for further modification of the definition.
So, while am generally in favor of "doing what you do as long as knowone else is hurt", I have concerns about redefining an institution that has worked well for years. Producing & Raising children was the reason why marriage was defined as it was..this is of critical importance. I hestitate to change the definition until it is PROVEN that no harm may come from this(ie the burden of proff should be placed on gay marriage supporters, not the other way around). If I see proof, then its OK by me..but I have not seen it. Until that time, I prefer another term be applied that carries many of the same benefits of marriage.
BTW, I was initially against a constitutional ammendment..however, I now understand why it has been proposed. If one state approves gay marriage and the couple moves to a state without GM then the state is forced to either reciprocate (which is not fair to the citizens of that state) or refuse (which is not fair to the couple). So this amendment is REALLY about protecting states rights every bit as much as it is critisized for being AGAINST states rights.
