Some on this thread have gone off on tangents not intended
Sorry if you feel I went off topic. I merely agree or disagree with some of the statements made and chose to comment. for example:
Stability- absolutly agree
Child rearing- already commented but don't agree entirely... not everyone can be a good parent but if they can be a good
parent they can most probably be a wonderful spouce. Getting married doesn't automatically make you a
better parent. It can make it easier fiscally (single parent/divorcee) and give a child a stable structure to
strive for (sets good example) but I am sure there are many well adjusted happy bastards running around
in the world.
Domestic violence - Have to disagree with you here. There are as many married jerks as there are unmarried. Married
abuse tends to go on unreported in greater numbers I am afraid, but these numbers are
becoming more and more skewed because of falling marriage rates. It looks like there are a greater
number of reports for non-married couples but percentage wise they are very close.
Child abuse- sorry to generalize here but in this case you are dead wrong as most child molesters tend to be married.
Duration of family unit - Agree
Long term implications - We all have problems in the long run.
That should not entitle you to any special priviledges, tax breaks, special treatment at Thanksgiving dinner... I think it's one more way in which religion imposes laws. Religious groups are on a campaign to revive the "traditional" marriage (it's worth remembering that includes no sex before marriage!).
I think it absolutely should. We as a society should encourage positive choices. What is wrong with imposing moral laws.