should the state support the institution of marriage?

[sweetheart]

Marriage is a religious institution that has been legislated by the state to guarantee property rights in child rearing. However, those rights can be guaranteed without the state recognizing marriage. What are your feelings about the state and marriage?

[onebigbadwulf]

1. It's pointless now

that women live on their own without being married now.

And that couples live together without marriage anyway.

And that most kids come from divorced families anyway.

[WalterGA]

2. America needs marriage.

I've always believed that healthy stable families are the foundation for a civilized society. I also believe that the best way to have a good family is a man and woman being married.

[jhfenton]

3. We should put an end to the debate by...

getting the government out of the marriage business altogether, except for enforcing "partnership" agreements and setting up a set of default provisions for those who don't customize their relationship. Leave the decision of whether to call it a marriage to the religious institutions.

[Maple]

4. I don't think so eh?

I'm an atheist.

I am also married.

Not 'unionized'...married.

35 years.

Forget the churches.

[jhfenton]

5. You can call it whatever you want.

Just get the state out of it, except for enforcing private contracts.

I'm a fairly irreligious married guy myself.

[Maple]

6. The state HAS to be in it

to enforce the contract legally.

It's a property contract...all else is romantic frill.

But it requires the backing of the state for legality.

[jhfenton]

7. Yeah, but only to enforce the contract.

There is no need for the state to be in control of the process. Set up default rules for personal partnerships similar to today's marital property rules. Allow any two or more people to enter into personal partnership contracts enforceable by the state in court. The state need not sanction it beyond that. Everyone should be happy.

Of course we would need to make the tax code marriage neutral too.

[Terwilliger]

8. It should be the same institution that it is for all couples

a business arrangement, and a union of two souls

[SahaleArm]

9. Contract Law - Make it a partnership on the 1040. *nm*

*nm*

[ex_jew]

10. The state should reward long-lived marriages !

That's right - a cash payout if you and your sweetie stick it out for 15 or 20 years. Gives you something to look forward to during the hard times. Stable marriages are good for society and SHOULD be encouraged. I honestly don't care about the sex of the partners.