ann---:

given to people by the state who make the rules about age, etc. There is NOTHING in the law that says it's about "legitimizing the children." That would be discrimination against older adults who marry who would not meet that criteria. Adults are given that right - and same-sex marriage of adults is a right that is withheld by the state - it is discrimination.

LT-7:

No. It is not a right. Rights are for everyone except those who have lost them by committing felonies or such. Free speech and voting are rights. Marriage is not. It is a way of registering couples who intend to have legitimate children, much like birth and death are recorded. It is record keeping for determination of legitimate heirs, not a right.

Marriage is not allowed for everyone. 8 yr. olds cannot marry, no matter how much they are in "puppy love". Minors aren't allowed to marry below a certain age even with permission of a guardian. Brothers and sisters and people married to someone else cannot marry. First cousins generally aren't allowed to marry.

Marriage has been misused to deny equal treatment to people, but that does not make it a right. It just means that it should be illegal for anyone to be treated differently due to marriage. Marrieds and unmarrieds who are couples should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation.

LT is so consumed with "trying to maintain her rep" as being a fair minded, "independent thinker", she just spouts untenable shit, and goes up against people like us, to make herself feel better smarter.