[Mrs. Don-o]

I've often thought that there's a strong case to be made for abolishing civil marriage. I recall that the Catholic Church --- at least in the Kulturkampf fight in the 1870's --- was agains civil marriage.

That said, though--- and marriage or no marriage --- do you think the govt should renforce child support from fathers? Or should children all be assumed to have no right to parental support, and be dependents of the State? (At present, single-motherhood wedded to the State --- the "Life of Julia" -- seems to be the major alternative.)

[privatedrive]

I agree - child support is a separate issue - marriage or no marriage - and yes government should have the right to enforce from father - or mother!

But again, the government shouldn’t care whether someone is married or not - it’s just none of their business.

[Ransomed]

“I recall that the Catholic Church -— at least in the Kulturkampf fight in the 1870’s -— was against civil marriage.”

That’s because the state, at least in the modern era, determines the definition it uses by whatever judges, pols, or the majority think it is at any one time. Now many are conditioned to think the institution comes from the state as pieces of paper. Also it usurpes the role of one’s faith, just like state involvement with charity and edjumcation. Pope Leo XIII saw it coming 130 years or so ago like you say.

Freegards