There are many aspects of this topic that trouble me and I will express myself anecdotally; that is, I won't be compelled to list recitations of studies, articles, examples, etc. Read what I have to say. Take it, or leave it. Your choice.
The first issue is that today's convention - or orthodoxy - is that if you speak out in defense of traditional marriage, or if you challenge so-called same sex marriage, it is because you are bigoted or filled with hatred. And, Lord knows, you certainly can't cite God or religious beliefs as rationale for your beliefs. THAT would make you a religious bigot - perhaps the lowest form of bigot to the enlightened (yes, there is a tinge of hypocritical judgment in that). To think that someone could possibly question changes to one of the most fundamental societal institutions on the basis of serious concern simply does not register to those so otherwise invested. In fact, this labeling is true for simply asking questions.
So then, considering this premise or standard, I'm a bigot. Moving on...
Those invested in the sweeping alteration to the institution of marriage ask such simple questions as, "What does it hurt?"; "Why shouldn't someone love who they want to?"; or, "Who cares what their love interests are?" The answers to those questions are, of course, largely as shallow as the questions themselves. Given that marriage is both a social and legal contract, it seems to me other questions are valid and worthy of being asked. Do the married same sex partners have the same legal rights and privileges as heterosexual marriages? If so, does that apply to children? Adoption? Let's take adoption. If all else is equal between two qualified sets of parents - one same sex, one traditional - how is the matter settled? How should it be settled? Should the child be considered? At all or in the least? What about long-term effects to society. Yes, yes, one only needs to listen to NPR to know that there are countless studies that say that the impact is or will be nil. And, in fact (!!!), the child will be a better adjusted person on the whole compared to his/her/its traditional counterpart (more snarkiness). But do we really know? Me? I suspect we won't know for generations. I am mindful of the disintegration of the traditional, nuclear family in the inner cities and elsewhere while many of those erudite experts said it wouldn't matter.
There are many other questions involving property rights, costs to society, infringements on "rights" of others, religious beliefs and faith issues. Where DOES this go from here. Polygamy? More? Where is the line? Blurred or distinct? Who draws it? Is the basis solely how people feel? When does the tipping point happen and our unraveling is complete?
To raise these questions seriously and in good faith is impossible for the most part. We are seeing dramatic and irreversible changes to the traditional values which were the basis of our Nation; in its founding and development. I take that seriously and I feel I have a right to ask questions. As it is, the simple act of asking those questions labels me a bigot.
So be it.
As I said, moving on...
