QUOTE(Kow @ Nov 19 2005, 07:38 PM)
I really have no problem with it, as of now, except for the fact that most gays don't want to be eqal, they want special treatment.
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Ah, and here's where we leave the typical train of thought and actually start getting to the heart of the matter.
It's not that most homosexuals so much
want special treatment so much as to be defined as different. Marriage is a one-way train, and as such, only those who 'fit the bill' can get aboard. However, in a same sex relationship, the only way to produce a baby would be through a sperm plant (typically lesbians, as the female body can actually carry an unborn child), test tube babies, or adoption.
All of these methods require a significant amount more work overall than a male/female based relationship, if not just because you don't need to sign any paperwork until the baby is born, whereas in a same sex relationship, that's a lot of damn paperwork almost by the hour. Ever tried to adopt a kid? If you checkout the process, lemme just say, it's involved.
The fact remains that the relationships are different. The definition of marriage can, but shouldn't, be altered. The alternatives are just to make a specialized type of classing, if you will, to fit those people. Therefore, they are further seen as different. Then that difference can either be seen as a discrimation against them as if there wasn't enough of it, or that they're 'better' than everyone else.
And that is thje dilenma politicians have to sort out. There's really only one way or the other. And neither way is truly satisfactory for anyone.