I agree that "in the matter of law, equality must govern", Amos.

But would you mind if I also talk here about other some things that interest me? ;-)

It is quite clear that, as you say, "The raising of children requires stability and known, reliable parent figures. This can be achieved perfectly well by two married women, two married men, or a married man and woman."

Sure. However, a union between two men or two women cannot produce any children...and that's significant, wouldn't you say? I'm suggesting that that is why all traditional societies we know of sanctified marriage between men and women...because it is the one and only union which produces children.

Any combination of people can effectively raise a child if they are good people and they do it well. A child can be raised by:

- its natural parents
- one parent
- an aunt and uncle
- a guardian
- a brother or sister
- an adoptive parent or parents
- an ashram or monastery
- a small cooperative community
- a school
- a training academy
- a hermitage
- you name it

Anything is possible in that regard, but the traditional marriage was based on two people who are the natural parents because they produced the child and passed on their own genes to the child.

That's significant! That's why marriage became the most important relationship in society and still is.

Are times changing? Yes, times always change, and so do customs. Do I oppose gay marriage? No, I don't. But I would like to talk about a number of things here, Amos, not just about the one specific theme that happens to turn your crank, as it were. ;-)