I disagree. "The State" is merely a construction of society, and a well-ordered society is built by family units, not individuals. Society is actually an organic growth of extended family units. Allowing marriage special legal privileges is a way of incentivize marriage, and thus create stable families, providing order to society. Where marriage has deteriorated most precipitously - inner cities - order has broken down as well. This obviously has a negative effect on society at large, and thus, to prevent this, we get back to society, through its construct of "The State," encouraging marriage.
I disagree. "The State" is merely a construction of society, and a well-ordered society is built by family units, not individuals. Society is actually an organic growth of extended family units. Allowing marriage special legal privileges is a way of incentivize marriage, and thus create stable families, providing order to society. Where marriage has deteriorated most precipitously - inner cities - order has broken down as well. This obviously has a negative effect on society at large, and thus, to prevent this, we get back to society, through its construct of "The State," encouraging marriage.
If you see the nuclear family as a political unit, this makes sense. Especially when you consider that the male-female couple can cheaply produce offspring without medical technology/extra bureaucratic paperwork of adoption, etc.
Remember one of the old Popeye cartoons? Where Olive Oyl dreams she's President? She comes up with her own "incentive package":
"I propose the Bachelor Tax
"I hope this motion is carried
"'Cause it will convince every man
"It's cheaper to be married!"
That is your right.
"The State" is merely a construction of society,
Nice to run into someone who actually understands the crux of the argument.
and a well-ordered society is built by family units, not individuals.
A family 'unit' can be anything that individuals decide it is. That can be a man and a woman, two men, or any grouping that several consenting adults decide it is.
Allowing marriage special legal privileges is a way of incentivize marriage, and thus create stable families,
Here's the flaw in your thinking. You assume that marriage creates a stable family. There is mountains of evidence to the contrary. Also, once you allow the State to give one group 'special privileges' you've opened Pandoras Box. There's absolutely no end to groups clamoring for their own 'special privileges' on the grounds that they benefit society.
For instance, the two lesbians who live across the street from me with their two children have a much more stable relationship than the people who live literally right next door to them in a State recognized 'marriage'.
Were I forced to chose I'd rather my son be raised by the two lesbians with their children than the alchoholic loser and his wife.
Where marriage has deteriorated most precipitously - inner cities - order has broken down as well.
You've neglected to factor in the State sponsored 'welfare' which has, in my opinion, and even more destructive effect on the production of responsible adults. Not to mention the outright evil pounded into their heads by our 'public education' system.
You haven't thought nearly deeply enough about this issue.
Once you grant the State the power to decide what is and what isn't a 'family', you give them grounds to interfere in all sorts of areas.
It's far better to the State to pound sand when it comes to what is and what isn't a 'family'.
Best,
L