I'm not religious either Will, so that aspect doesn't bother me.

In our area (West Scotland)"marriage" is widely perceived as a foundation for the building of a family structure and not so much a declaration of "love"
Maybe we are closer to nature here, and treat life a little more seriously than the Mudcat "liberals" :0)

As I said in another thread, many young couples are happy to live together unmarried, 'till the children come along, then the foundation of marriage seems much more important.
Many of my friends and neighbours find the "institution" devalued by opening it to what they see as a rather odd sexual minority.

However it is encouraging that you and I can discuss this issue in calm and adult manner....Ake.