[thefrankbaum]

Okay. Fine. As long as you're aware that intestacy is just one minor issue arising from the abolition of marriage as a legal institution. Most people who advocate "getting the State out of marriage" don't think about such repercussions - the idea of the State acquiring the property of the dead when there is a spouse still living is anathema to them, and it gives them pause when I point out that very simple example. Since you appear to be aware of all those repercussions, I don't need to point them out to you.

That said, I still don't agree with the elimination of marriage as a legal relationship, for a variety of reasons. However, I see no need to discuss those reasons here.

[Lurker]

the idea of the State acquiring the property of the dead when there is a spouse still living is anathema to them,

Then hire an attorney and have a Will written and that won't happen. It's not the job of the State to babysit people who are too lazy to take basic legal precautions.

That said, I still don't agree with the elimination of marriage as a legal relationship, for a variety of reasons.

Consenting adults should be free to register their wishes with the relevant Courts using Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Contracts as they see fit.

The State, however, should have no voice in approving or disapproving those relationships. It's quite frankly none of their business.

L