RESPONSE TO FRUM AND SULLIVAN: Mike Pignatello

[Mike is a 28-year-old gay marketing consultant.]

Those arguing against same-sex marriage equality should re-examine what they defend: an idea of marriage that doesn't match reality. Some heterosexuals choose marriage for the wrong reasons, others have kids knowing they'll be raised in broken homes, and others just want out. As divorce rates prove, the institution of marriage, while important, has a poor track record. By contrast, to argue that gay partnerships or other "civil pacts" in the U.S. are going to result in more broken homes is mere speculation, as is the assumption that short-lived civil pacts in countries like Canada will always include children and therefore harm them. Gay Americans are simply seeking choice in marriage matters. We want the freedom to choose deeper, legal commitments, just as heterosexuals have the freedom make sensible and foolish choices in their own relationships. To deny gays this right because it's "complicated" is an incredibly weak argument. Marriage for heterosexuals is complicated. So what? Mr. Frum should consider the possibility that society can promote more intact homes by giving people more relationship options, not fewer. Let's make formal marriage the ultimate choice for straight and gay Americans who are mature and committed, and esepcially for those who are stable enough to raise children. Anything else just doesn't deserve to be called "marriage."
posted by maggie at 5:15 AM | link

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