[aShepard]

....."the state refuses to even recognize heterosexual couples that have been living together for years as common-law marriages. How the hell is that fair."........

Hey, no problem. 1. Get the car keys, 2. Get in, close the door, and drive to the local town hall. 3. Fill out form, dig $25 out of your wallet, get blood test, then, 4. Stand there with your partner while some guy pronounces you man and wife.

Every one of us heterosexuals have been doing this for centuries, some with lots of flair and fancy, some with none, but all it takes is the guts to make a decision.

Fair, Absolutely!

[dufekin]

Umm...you just can't use any old guy. He or she must be authorized to perform Holy Matrimony. And you two have to pledge "to be true to each other in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love each and honor one another so long as they both shall live." It's not that simple; you actually have to believe in God for a priest to join you before Him in Holy Matrimony.