How about describing the three most serious consequences of having the government completely ignore the marriage status of individuals. Why are you convinced that marriage needs government help to succeed? I don't perceive any benefit to MY marriage in the law.
You are putting words in my mouth. I never said marriage NEEDS government help. Nor did I make any statement about established marriages.
However, the act of removing state recognition of marriage will provide an implication, especially to those without a strong moral grounding, that marriage is no longer important. A 'marriage', whether a state-recognized marriage or a religious sacrament, still carries a status that is greater than a simple legal agreement. A couple that is stressed may seek to save their marriage, but may not seek to save their legal agreement. Couples may enter into and break legal agreements with ease, and perhaps produce children in the process, without the stigma associated with breaking a marriage up.
1) Consequence number one would be that marriage has no legal definition in society. In essence it could mean anything and that is how state run schools will teach it to our children. Thus further destroying the institution of marriage and the family unit.
2) Consequence number two will be that the People are being told that they have no right to define marriage for the society that they live in. Thus further destroying our right to representation on issues of sexuality.
3) Consequence number three will be that it would be a victory for those who want to use the state (the Court) to force people to have to accept homosexuality and other forms of sexuality as being equal top heterosexuality.