There are 81 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #23 by Helium's members.

Should gays and lesbians be allowed civil unions but not marriage?

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Yes		43%	336 votes	Total: 774 votes
No		57%	438 votes	Total: 774 votes

23 of 47

No

Those who think marriage is only between two people don't know history. Marriage in early human history was never about love. It was about politics and economics. At various times in history, marriage arrangements have involved men with multiple wives or women with multiple husbands. In some societies, when a woman was widowed, it was expected that the husband's brother would marry her, even if he had a wife. It was a way early societies took care of widows.

The tradition of a dowry given to a husband insured that a daughter could marry into a good family. A bride price was popular in some societies because a woman was viewed as a resource, it was the only way a man could have heirs.

Many treaties and alliances were forged by offering a son or daughter in marriage to an ally. It's hard to wage war on your in laws.

So the whole notion that marriage is some sort of holy alliance sanctioned by God is a recent invention. Those who claim the Bible insists on a marriage between one man and one woman haven't read it. Those who think marriage is some sort of sacred institution have already lost the battle. Take a quick look at the divorce rates and the number of single parent households. It's as easy to dissolve a marriage as it is to say "I do".

Marriage is an invention of society. It has functioned to handle issues like inheritance, alliances, political and economic security.It has taken many forms in history, based on the structure of the society.

Those who want their Christian notion of marriage can have it. But we need a whole lot less of government in our homes and bedrooms. Marriage IS a civil union.

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