So are you telling me that by not getting SSM that gays will not be productive and able to compete in society? Tell me exactly why being married is so important to such a small percentage of the population? Tell me why civil unions won't suffice?
Yes, gays have always been in society and yet it wasn't until modern history the last 30 years that activists have captured the movement and are trying to destroy the will of the people.
No of course not but social acceptance of any kind makes it easier for them to contribute, as they arent discriminated against, fewer barrirs, dont get fired, etc.
And the rights that come with marriage also protect their children, both biological, adopted, from merged families, etc. The children get more legal protections and benefits. Are you implying that their children should suffer the same bigotry as their parents?
"Activists" didnt capture anything. It's called social momentum. It took 100 yrs after the Civil War to finally outlaw Jim Crow. SHould blacks have had to wait 100 years for equal treatment from the states? No, it's an embarrassment and a shame. It HARMED them.
Momentum has been building since the 80's....discrimination is wrong and should be stopped as soon as possible, not based on how long it takes bigots to die out.
And separate but equal was ruled unConstitutional, so civil unions are still discrimination. Not only that, it continues to stigmatize gays as 'different' and again, that bigotry affects their kids.
Besides marriage *means* exactly the same thing to gays as straight people. Including (esp. including) those with religious beliefs.
Of course, it's pretty hypocritical to see a conservative pushing for bigger govt....like a whole new institution that has to be administered in DC, more work for the IRS, Obamacare, legal organizations of all kind, thousands more pencil pushers and millions more $$$. For something that already exists? Ha ha ha! Yeah...that makes sense.