[Matt Q]

Originally Posted by ross hamilton hill

I stress I have nothing against gay marriage, I just don't think it should be equated with straight marriage as that is a ritual and state that legitimizes sexual intercourse and procreation. Neither of which (obviously) occur in gay marriage.

I think you are confusing a function that marriage once had with its present function. These days you can have sex and kids without getting married. So I don't think that's why most people get married any longer. Whatever it is people get marred for (a show of commitment, a romantic dream, tax breaks, a sense of security, because their friends did etc) it's not dependent on their sexuality; any of these reasons apply to both gay and straight couples.

In addition to which, what about hetero couples who marry and don't want to -- or can't have -- have kids. Should they have a ceremony with a different name?

But even if I were to accept that there's differences, (and you surely see the many similarities), why would it trouble you if the word 'marriage' is used in both cases? I don't see why it should follow that there would need to be two different names.

-Matt

P.s. gay people have sexual intercourse!