Gadianton wrote:Imagine, if Fred and Bob, instead of, in their hurt and confusion running off to the courthouse to go out and show the world that they are people too, with no support whatsoever, imagine if Fred and Bob's parents gave them a ceremony, a cake, and encouragement and advice throughout their relationship. Imagine if somehow family and friends could legitimately accept their relationship. Wouldn't they have quite a bit more chance at a commited, long-term, and monogamous life together?
Definitely.
In my family and group of close friends, there have been three instances where a traditional marriage almost fell apart, but was saved largely due to support and encouragment from parents who believed in the relationship. I have a good friend who is a lesbian, and according to her, the main reason gay relationships are so risky is because parents, siblings and
even homosexual friends do not view the gay relationship as fully legitimate. The support network just isn't there like it is for married heterosexual couples. And, gays do not have their parents to serve as clear role models (heh, with so many divorced parents I guess lots of heteros don't have their parents to serve as marriage role models, either). If the law recognized gay marriage this would be some help, I guess, maybe. Some people's views would change a little bit. At least it would create legal hurtles for married gays... not sure that's a completely good thing, though (like Gad said).
If I was gay, I'm not sure I would want to get married. I would be far more interested in having my parents and siblings accept my partner and find value in my long term relationship. Hopefully they wouldn't need a legal contract to open their hearts.