Quote:
Originally Posted by Vman455
But you were asking the government to get married! You were asking for it to bestow conveniences, like the ability to file a joint tax return or make healthcare decisions for an unresponsive partner. You can do everything that marriage is--live together, share finances, raise children, own a home, whatever--without the government if you wanted. Why didn't you just do that and leave the government out of it? Because you wanted the rights the government grants to those who are legally and not just practically married (I'm using those two words, "legally" and "practically," literally here).
Let's be clear--"rights" are completely a human invention, and only exist insofar as we collectively decide to bestow them on each other.
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My gripe is more one of semantics. The form shouldn't be called a marriage license, but instead "registration of spouse". Just as the state can't stop you from purchasing a vehicle, they do require that you register with them. I'm ok with that for purposes of bestowing certain legal rights/responsibilities. I'm just not asking for permission to get married. "Denied" is not an acceptable option for the state to decide. I suppose from that standpoint that makes me "pro-gay marriage", insofar as it's none of the state's business.
When I was filling out my marriage application, it asked for my occupation. My response, "Nunya". I didn't know that would appear on the actual certificate. To my wife's chagrin, and my absolute delite, it does.