Those same rights could be afforded to them via civil unions without changing the fundamental meaning of marriage. And as stated previously, marriages of men and women of different races does nothing to change the fundamental meaning of marriage - marriage of same sexes obliterates it.
One right that is guaranteed in the Constitution is the freedom to one's own beliefs. To change the meaning of one of the most fundamental underlying concepts of our culture is to deny the majority their rights.
The only logical reason Gays want the definition of the word "marriage" changed, and not just civil unions is because they wish to force everyone to approve of them. Changing the definition of marriage is a way to co-opt approval. Once the term is usurped, nobody will have a choice. All couples, traditional or same sex will be linguistically indistinguishable and therefore fully indistinguishable. The traditional definition will have been crushed and will eventually be forgotten. Society will be forced, through process of elimination, to accept same sex marriage, like it or not. This is wrong and it a violation of everyone's rights.
I oppose asking the state for permission to be "married" because it cedes them the authority to define marriage. It's beyond the scope of what they should be doing . It's none of their business, or frankly mine or yours who marrys whom. Only the parties that are involved need give consent, nobody else should intrude.
As Johnny O alluded to, there was a time not long ago where the state prohibited/controlled interracial marriage. That's pretty fucked.
Johnny O again points out the "benefits" the state provides if people get "legally" married. In that context it IS discriminating to deny gays those rights. However I'm a firm believer that rights shouldn't come from government, or be cntingent upon sexual orientation, therefore I reject government involvement in any marriage gay or straight, unless that's what those involved specifically want.
Besides, how are you harmed by two gay people wanting to call themselves "married" anyway? You seem to be a pretty smart guy, but sometimes hung up on controlling others. If you don't approve of gay marriage, you are still free to hold that belief, are you worried society will crumble if people become more tolerant of things that YOU don't approve of?
Heck I don't approve of lots of shit, I used to be very into working out and a good diet, but I didn't want to use government to round up all the fat people, although being out of shape
was something I absolutely was against. You can burn up alot of energy worrying about how others live their lives. Not trying to diss you, just my honest opinion.
