It would seem that the statistic that same sex marriages have an average duration of 1.5 years would be difficult to substantiate, as there are extremely few places where it's been possible for same sex couples to have been married that long, and the statistical sample is, relative to compiling of reliable statistics, nearly ZERO.

Surveys of same sex couples living together in committed relationships have consistently indicated stability at least comparable to, and in many cases exceeding, that of formally established heterosexual marriages. There have been numerous such surveys, they are quite difficult to conduct due to the secrecy demanded by the views of surrounding populations, but the several with apparently sound basis do not indicate a significant difference between heterosexual and monosexual relationships.

A difficulty with any such surveys is that there are vast numbers (although not extremely high percentages) of "couples" who live together out of convenience but without commitment. This problem is common to both heterosexual and monosexual living arrangements.

Some recent analyses have also indicated that the "population segment" in which the rate of new HIV infections is currently highest, in "Western Countries" like the US and UK, is heterosexually married females. The surveys reporting this "change," that have been publicly reported, have come from flaky organisations like the US National Institute of Health and from at least two UK "government health agencies" whose specific names I don't recall offhand.

Reliable information about the extent of, and behavior of, those with "homosexual inclinations" remain exceedingly difficult to gather, simply because those involved in the majority of cases believe that they must be keep their preferences secret because of "fear of the believers." It takes immense courage to "come out" and I greatly respect the few, especially the couples, I know who have done so. I also have no disrespect for the more numerous ones I know who have NOT publicly shown their beliefs and who continue to conceal their behaviors. (And the same applies to quite a few atheists, who are literally "afraid for their lives" if their beliefs become known.)

At a big whoopdie over whether seminarians who are homosexual should be expelled (in Rome some time ago) an "unidentified spokesman" reported to news reporters on the progress of the discussions (he was later identified as the "chairman"). He was asked what percentage of seminarians were homosexuals, and replied with the usual "at least 8%." Several reporters noted that other reports placed it nearer 60%, and after being pressed further the spokesman said "it's probably near 60%."

Do we believe it? It's an "authoritative" statement, since he possibly does (or should) know a number, but it's not confirmable by anyone. Take your pick.

John