Thanks, that's more helpful. I can see I wasn't as informed as I should be, but none of the previous arguments seemed so convincing.
But still, does a gay relationship need all the same rights as a marriage? I don't know the details of the law, but I suspect that many of the rights civil unions do not have are in reference to providing a good environment for families.
So, I still stand by my original thesis, that the intent of marriage as an institution is primarily for reproduction, so a gay relationship doesn't require the same rights. I'll do more research to determine whether I'm right, but if you happen to have any info that can help I'd appreciate it.
Also, in response to matt and unalone's point, yes they are not equal and should not be because they are not functionall equal. Your position just begs the question when it comes to the crux of the debate. If marriage is functionally defined, then relationships that don't accomplish the same function shouldn't have the same rights and societal support. Really, how difficult is this for people to understand? Show me anything else with the same level of institutional support for something as ephemeral as "love," and I'll buy the argument that marriage is essentially about love.
But still, does a gay relationship need all the same rights as a marriage? I don't know the details of the law, but I suspect that many of the rights civil unions do not have are in reference to providing a good environment for families.
So, I still stand by my original thesis, that the intent of marriage as an institution is primarily for reproduction, so a gay relationship doesn't require the same rights. I'll do more research to determine whether I'm right, but if you happen to have any info that can help I'd appreciate it.
Also, in response to matt and unalone's point, yes they are not equal and should not be because they are not functionall equal. Your position just begs the question when it comes to the crux of the debate. If marriage is functionally defined, then relationships that don't accomplish the same function shouldn't have the same rights and societal support. Really, how difficult is this for people to understand? Show me anything else with the same level of institutional support for something as ephemeral as "love," and I'll buy the argument that marriage is essentially about love.