With these words, let us wed

[Hazumu]

 By Carlos T. Mock
    May 20, 2008

The importance of marriage for society's general health and stability also explains why the common alternative to gay marriage—a so-called civil union—is not enough. Marriage, as it is commonly viewed in society, is more than just a legal contract. To establish something short of real marriage for some adults is to undermine the notion for all.

There is nothing that the gay lesbian bisexual and transgender community can do to appease its opponents except, perhaps, disappear. But in one exit poll in the 2004 presidential election, 60 percent of voters favored either gay marriage or civil unions. The younger the voters, the more likely they are to favor marriage.

To me, that is reason enough to fight for same-sex marriages instead of civil unions.