My Views On Government and Marriage

Recently, the California Supreme Court ruled that it was illegal to deny state sanctioned marriage to homosexuals. I both agree and disagree. I think, that as long as they are offering state sanctioned marriages, they have to offer it to all consenting adults. However, I think that the state should not be sanctioning marriage. Marriage is a religious ritual and institution. Anything that tries to do the same thing without a religious foundation, is a union between individuals (an incorporation).

Instead of offering marriages and licenses, the state should be offering standard contracts of familial incorporation. If you want a marriage, that is between you and your religion. If you want something different than the standard contract, you would just hire a lawyer. These contracts would only be available to those who are 18 years old (or older) and all parties involved must be involved voluntarily. The contract could be seen as a combination of a pre-nuptial agreement, a living will, a will, and articles setting up a family corporation. The contract would set forth the duties and obligations of all of the parties involve. It would set forth expectations on behavior and children. It would set forth circumstances in which the contract could be dissolved and/or amended. It would also set forth expected child custody arrangements and property division in the event that the family corporation is dissolved.

Some people might wonder about the tax aspects. It would require changes in tax laws. You could either have the individuals pay taxes on themselves, or have the family corporation taxed.

In my mind, the government offering and honoring family contracts would be better for everyone.