On Gay Marriage

I believe that I have mentioned being an atheist deep in the Bible Belt. Because of this, I am considered liberal on social issues. So one of my more Christian than usual friends asked me for my opinion on gay marriage.

I'm all for it. Here is why.

Marriage is both a religious union and a legal union. Those who want it outlawed are often coming from a religious perspective that says that marriage is a sacred union-which if you believe in such things it probably is. However, it also serves a legal function. Therefore, it is not 'owned' by the religious groups. If it were, then granting legal rights based on marriage would be an legal endorsement of a religious rite. That's it. Simple, right?

Of course, I also thing that it is immoral to deny anyone the same rights anyone else has, but sadly the law often has little to do with morality.