It is conservative to preserve tradition and central to tradition is keeping the "little platoons" that make society run intact. It has nothing to do with keeping gays from living as they want. If all gays wanted was to live together that would be one thing. In truth, they are opposed to marriage since its a reminder a lifestyle built around hedonistic pleasure cannot long perpetuate the survival of civilization.
"It is conservative to preserve tradition and central to tradition is keeping the "little platoons" that make society run intact."
I agree, tradition does a lot to keep a society running. However, I don't see gay marriage as the limiting factor in the survival of a nation. As long as they have to go to work every day, build widgets, pay taxes on their income, pay bills, etc., they are productive members of the community. If they start killing people, raping, robbing, or allow their dogs to bark all night and keep everyone up, they aren't.
Regarding hedonism: for gay men, I tend to agree. I don't see them as being all that in need of gay marriage - for the most part. For women, the opposite is more likely. Gay women tend to hook up with other women because they feel that men are incapable of providing what they need emotionally - for the most part. Either way, as long as Britany Spears is allowed to get married on Monday and divorced on Tuesday, I think a gay couple that's been together for who knows how long should be given a break.