In realistic terms, this situation is all but settled...the courts have allowed ‘anything goes’ regardless of what individual states and their citizens want. That said, the ‘state’ redefining marriage is not to be excused. The author’s argument has some merit (about gay relationships). The legal and economic argument of giving two gay men or women the same rights as a married couple is a reasonable argument. Whether it is tax benefit, legal rights in court and in hospitals. A stable relationship is a far better thing than perpetual singlehood. Personally, I know many gay partners who have 15+ years together.
That said, redefining marriage is just plain wrong. The government should never have had a role in defining marriage so it could be redefined by government fiat. The government now supersedes individual religion, which is a horrible development. Unfortunately this happened swiftly and with little discussion or debate...it was done with a hammer by the left and no counter-argument was made....those against have stated a belief in traditional marriage, but that is not sufficient nor has it moved the ball back in the right direction. It is likely too late policy wise, but I would love to see at least one state move to establish a domestic partnership law in lieu of ‘marriage’ and take it through the court system.
it will never be settled
first off, there is nothing in the Constitution which allows courts to impose laws on the states.