They have the EXACT same rights of recognized union. The practice of marriage has little to do with sexual preference and feelings, and everything to do with involuntary reproduction. One could argue that in the modern world, its perquisties are obsolete, and require LESS legal enforcement, not more widespread.

I do not so subscribe. In any event I am not sure what you are talking about. As far as I understand it, if you have dependant children, you get the tax break, regardless of your sexuality or marital status. As it should be. As far as I am concerned, special legal exemptions for married people in an otherwise oppressive or restrictive law or government policy are merely sops to get people to aquiesce to an unjust infringement of their liberties or usurpation of property. Removing such breaks and loopholes keeps the pressure up and will cause greater dissatisfaction with wrongful policies. Therefore, I am naturally opposed to this sort of measure. What they do is make different groups jon in the scramble for their goverment masters' table scraps, as in the case of same-sex marriage - homosexuals rightfully seeking to hand over less of their money to the government, rather than opposing the tax in the first place, instead are diverted by the brass ring of marriage exemptions. Rather than try to right the course of the ship away from the reefs, instead they are demanding a seat on the life boat.

And? What is your point? That is EXACTLY what law is. Any more insights like "people die in war"? If you are attempting to accuse me of some sort of hypocrisy, you would have to cite a law of which I have expressed approval. Good luck. As far as this point applies to the issue at hand, because of this essential nature of laws, they should only be enacted to support practices or customs in place, and to recognize them as such or correct grave injustices. When both parties have the same rights (any man may marry any woman, and vice versa, regardless of their respective sexual orientation, and neither homo- nor heterosexuals may marry someone of the same sex ), and there is no history or tradition of carrying out a particular practice, it should not be enshrined in law, particularly if it will only benefit a few to the detriment of many.