A question for everyone who believes the definition of marriage should not change...?

we have to differentiate between religious marriage that is up to any religion to decide upon and for us either to choose to practice that religion or not...

and the civil status of two consenting adults that wish to form a domestic partnership. the latter should not be based on any religious foundations. eventually "marriages" or families will be extended to include several men and several women, all in one big happy family, as descibed in Heinlein's "friday".

The definition and understanding of what a marriage is has been changing through history. There is not much to "maintain".

I think the LEGAL definition should be "A union between two consenting adults." This removes the governmental control and places it into the hands of the people. If people wish to restrict it to "one man and one woman", they have all the freedom to do that. Currently, there is a growing number who do not care to. This also gives power to the churches to interpret what marriage is.

I want gays to have the same rights may it be called a union or marriage. The name is superficial but the symbolism the couple create is not. These marriage laws are meant to strengthen and aid a family. Gay couples DO make good parents and the government should support them just like straight couples.

I wasn't going to answer. I was going to mind my business; just sit back and watch. But I failed. My apologies.

I have to ask: Is it just me, or does it seem as though many religious people claim they wish to ban same sex marriage on account of the redefinition issue, but when presented with the fact that it's already been redefined they switch right back to religious reasoning?

EDIT: Switching the definition to "two consenting adults" does not mean a man can marry his daughter. If that were true, than one could do that *now* seeing as it's one man, one woman, right?

This is a touchy subject. Yet the whole reason for getting married is to unite one another and to have children. That being said two men can not have children nor can two women. The sex act between two partners of the same sex is unnatural. Just because some burn in the flesh for unnatural desires does not make it right. Studies have shown that children raised in homes where a father or mother is not present have more issues later in life. The fact is that when we mess with the natural order of things man seems to screw it up. Besides it goes against God design.

Legal definitions of marriage are of no concern to me. What does concern me is the church's definition. I cannot accept the church marrying gay and lesbian couples, which sanctions immoral behavior. If the state wants to call them married, that's great. But in god's eyes, they never will be married.

I agree with the Bible's definition of marriage, which does not mention race. Even if it was changed from "who are of the same race" to just "one man and one woman" if it's changed AGAIN, then it can be change again and again until marriage has no significant meaning.

You ask why not change it to "between two consenting adults?" Next, someone else may ask why not "between two consenting humans?" Then someone can ask why not "between two consenting living organisms?" and it may not stop there... of course I don't know where it would go after that.

Those advocating the definition of Marriage=Man+Woman are primarily Christians, like myself.

I do not approve that first amendment you speak of because there is no Biblical evidence for same age/race etc... I DO NOT approve the same sex "marriage" because that is clearly against God's will (please read the Bible for extensive examples).

You cannot assume that all of us would approve the first marriage amendment, because that is unvalidated. That puts a giant whole in your argument. I sincerely hope you seek God on this one and read the Bible for answers.

God bless you. Have a wonderful day.

So marriage is just how you define it, is that your point. If so, why ask at all. It is defined. And that's the way we like it. We being the majority. But are you interested why a great deal of people don't support you. Because you put 'flasing the dinker' above world hunger, terrorism, and real tragedies. Get a hobby or grow up. Your choice.

Marriage is a legal contract. Even fundies must obtain a license from the state to be married.

So, Kevin,

According to YOU, marriage should be "A union between 2 consenting adults."

So, Kevin, . . . according to YOU, a 50 year old man should be able to get legally married to, and have sex with his 30 year old daughter. They are both consenting adults, Kevin, . . . so I assume you have no problem with that, right?

You're not an "incestaphobic" bigot, are you?

See how sick things can be when you throw the "one-man-one-woman" mode out the window?

Dan in Miami