[Elspode]

I do not hate Christians (and I realize you weren't directing that comment at me, Slang...I'm pretty sure that you and I can debate almost anything as pals)...far from it. Those Christians who follow their own teachings are among the kindest, most honest and decent people I know. As with any fringe group, it is the hardliners and fanatics that make it tough for everyone.

The problem with attempting to legislate morality is that you automatically demonize or disenfranchise those who do not share your vision of what is moral, yet are causing no harm to others. The fact that we use a Conservative Christian yardstick of morality on issues such as gay marriage is, in itself, and from my perspective, immoral.

The only arguments I ever hear in support of gay marriage bans seem to be related to the welfare of children of such unions, and I just have to laugh. There are far more dysfunctional heterosexual family units than there will ever be in gay unions (simply by dint of their larger numbers), yet these are not legislated against, apparently due to their inherent "morality", since the round peg goes into the proper oriface in accordance with God's Plan. Not very logical. As to other arguments vis a vis property, benefits, etc, all I can say to that is, "bullshit". If the partners in question were to turn around and engage in a heterosexual, legal marriage, then there would be exactly the same amount of rights and benefits being granted had they been granted to the gay union.

No, this is moral, purely and simply. Any other notion is disingenuous. As to whether or not there are more pressing issues to be dealt with in this country at this time...ask the gay attorney who cannot provide insurance for his dying partner because the partner isn't a legal dependant, despite the fact that they've been together for 20 years (this is a hypothetical case for the sake of discussion, but I bet that five minutes of Googling would bring up an actual case not too different).