Think About It. Same Sex Marriage. The ongoing topic presumes that the law is involved. People have partnered for all kinds of reasons since two of them existed. Reproduction of the species is a basic driving force. This is followed by security. Dowry once was required to be provided by the family of the female as a gift to the family of the groom. Protection by the male, the typically physically stronger of the two, was a consideration. Polygamy was deemed important where growth in numbers seemed important. Often that meant propagation of the species for propagation of the faith. Power of the man over the woman and progeny was thought important by men. Financial security was wished by women. Family planning (No, not that kind.) that brought wealth of two families together with or without consent of the betrothed. Lack of (small p) planned parenthood prompted what became “shot-gun marriages”. Hmmm. I guess I haven’t mentioned love. Also legal requirements came rather late on the scene.
Only a few centuries ago did the monarch, the church or their unfortunate partnership decide to rule that some combination of partners must be legally married. Get a license if you will. That’s when things got complicated.
The government requires a license for marriage and provides a variety of results for your compliance. It seems to me that government has no business being involved in “blessing”, providing benefits or punishments concerning people’s love or desire to cohabitate freely.
In the late ’60s and early ’70s (19 that is) seniors decided to get divorced or failed to marry while living together, in order to retain both Social Security checks. You know what the grandkids did with that tacit permission for their own living plans.
Now there can be an advantage and/or tax penalty for marriage. Take a look at the Marriage Bonus and Penalty Tax Calculator. The government requires a license for marriage and provides a variety of results for your compliance. It seems to me that government has no business being involved in “blessing”, providing benefits or punishments concerning people’s love or desire to live together openly.
Let’s use that background when we consider same-sex marriage. When I was young, my mother tried to find a large home when my pastor-father moved to another church. In one town she rented an upstairs apartment to two “bachelors” who caused our sliding doors to move when the tenants danced. Spinsters lived together as an economy measure and for some companionship I suppose. And that was that.
Marriage contracts between consenting adults could serve the same purpose, with the government performing one of its legitimate responsibilities, helping to enforce the signed agreement.
If the government didn’t get involved, there would be no hue and cry concerning the co-habitation of humans. End of argument over Same Sex Marriage. Think About it.