[Hodar]

In reality all of those benefits enjoyed by married people are just an implied contract we "sign" by getting married.

And is there any reason that gay couples can't "sign" the same type of contract? If people have a problem with the word "marriage", maybe they could call it "bonding" or some other PC term. While I may not agree with their lifestyle and choices, I do think they have a valid arguement, as long as we are talking 'equality' and NOT "protected status".

[doc30]

I've never understood this gay-marriage thing. Gays can get married anywhere in the U.S. they want to. Even two gays can marry. The only requirement is that it be to a member of the opposite sex. They have the same rights as any heterosexual has.

[mikesmad]

Why can't they just sign the necessary legal documents and say we have a contract because we have a relationship? The same thing applies to a nonmarried but cohabitating male and female. It could also apply to confirmed heterosexual bachelors that live together to reduce cost.

I have a relationship with my wife (marriage) and I have a relationship with my home builder (contract).