[conserv13]

I think that a man and a woman raising children together in a loving stable relationship is the best thing everyone involved, and the best thing for society in general.

The problem is that how often does this happen anymore? Half the time, basically.

Divorce is a major problem. I think it would be better for a child to be raised by two women in a loving relationship than by a single mom, or by a dysfunctional father and mother.

[asmith92008]

I agree that divorce is a big problem. However, the problem comes from the notion that any family unit is okay, so long as the adults are happy. It's that same attitude that tries to say that homosexual "marriage" is the functional equivalent of a mother and father.

[NutCrackerBoy]

Divorce leads to the breakdown of the family structure.

Right.

I think it would be better for a child to be raised by two women in a loving relationship than by a single mom, or by a dysfunctional father and mother.

I am not prepared to concede this, but willing to stipulate it.

Letting gays get married would add to the number of married people

Not at all clear, conserv13. Forcefully changing the culture to accept homosexual marriage will subtly but definitely cause marriage to evolve away from being an institution motivated by children and families. It is likely that over time, fewer and fewer children will have two parents (of either orientation) who are married.

Have you read Maggie Gallagher's work? It is easy to find in Weekly Standard and National Review. I think it bears studying.

[asmith92008]

The Libertarians should also read Love and Economics: Why the Laissez-Faire Family Doesn't Work by Jennifer Roback Morse. She makes the case that in order to have a world where people are trusted to keep their word, and thus require a minimalist state, children have to be brought up to accept traditional values.

So all you folks willing to sacrifice our culture's most important institution for your "just do it" philosophy, the nanny statists might have the last laugh when they bring in the government to pick up the pieces.