Poll question: should the state support the institution of marriage?
Marriage is a religious institution that has been legislated by the state to guarantee property rights in child rearing. However, those rights can be guaranteed without the state recognizing marriage. What are your feelings about the state and marriage?
I've always believed that healthy stable families are the foundation for a civilized society. I also believe that the best way to have a good family is a man and woman being married.
getting the government out of the marriage business altogether, except for enforcing "partnership" agreements and setting up a set of default provisions for those who don't customize their relationship. Leave the decision of whether to call it a marriage to the religious institutions.
There is no need for the state to be in control of the process. Set up default rules for personal partnerships similar to today's marital property rules. Allow any two or more people to enter into personal partnership contracts enforceable by the state in court. The state need not sanction it beyond that. Everyone should be happy.
Of course we would need to make the tax code marriage neutral too.
10. The state should reward long-lived marriages !
That's right - a cash payout if you and your sweetie stick it out for 15 or 20 years. Gives you something to look forward to during the hard times. Stable marriages are good for society and SHOULD be encouraged. I honestly don't care about the sex of the partners.
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