It's an interesting idea, but well, I don't think it will fly, because the pro gay marriage people have just as much invested emotionally as the religious right does.
Marriage has always been a legal state, even more than it's been a religious ritual. Aside from the major benefits that marriage gives on the federal level, it really is a matter of being seen as equal standing in the eyes of the government.
Also, frankly, simply liking people of the same sex does not render one immune to the massive cultural, emotional and spiritual weight that marriage has.When someone wants to marry their partner, they don't want to do it just for the legal benefits; it's a way of making a commitment to their partner in the eyes of society. That aspect won't go away even if the legal benefits for marriage change, or if the government disassociates itself completely from the element of marriage.
So sadly, this will continue until one side has enough support to completely vanquish the other.
no subject
Marriage has always been a legal state, even more than it's been a religious ritual. Aside from the major benefits that marriage gives on the federal level, it really is a matter of being seen as equal standing in the eyes of the government.
Also, frankly, simply liking people of the same sex does not render one immune to the massive cultural, emotional and spiritual weight that marriage has.When someone wants to marry their partner, they don't want to do it just for the legal benefits; it's a way of making a commitment to their partner in the eyes of society. That aspect won't go away even if the legal benefits for marriage change, or if the government disassociates itself completely from the element of marriage.
So sadly, this will continue until one side has enough support to completely vanquish the other.