What is the definition of marriage? (legal, poll, school, state)

[WesternPilgrim]

This is a poll for everyone: what is marriage?

Here are the options:

A. A natural union of one man and one woman for purposes of procreation and mutual help.

B. A natural union of one man and one woman for purposes of recreational sex.

C. A religious union of one man and one woman for purposes determined by the religion of the spouses.

D. Either A, or C, or both.

E. A legal union of one man and one woman established for the good of society.

F. A legal union of two consenting adults, of any sex, established for any purpose.

G. A legal union of two or more consenting adults, of any sex, established for any purpose.

H. Whatever the majority of voters in a true democracy decide that it is at any given time.

I. Whatever the law decrees that it is at any given time.

[CAHomeschoolMom]

A and/ or C .

[WesternPilgrim]

Originally Posted by CAHomeschoolMom

A and/ or C .

There should be a prize for that one. A rep will have to do.

[CAHomeschoolMom]

Well, thanks, WP!

[filihok]

Betty Bowers Explains Traditional Marriage to Everyone Else - YouTube

[WesternPilgrim]

I should explain the reasoning behind the choices.

The implication of choices A through D is that marriage is a reality prior to the state, something that the state formally recognizes but doesn't create or invent.

The implication of choices E through G is that marriage is by definition a legal reality that is dependent on the state.

The implication of choices H through I is that marriage is purely a creature of the state (whether through democratic means or otherwise).

[claudhopper]

Maybe we should have more than one choice. For me, A and E apply, but I chose E.

[WesternPilgrim]

Originally Posted by claudhopper

Maybe we should have more than one choice. For me, A and E apply, but I chose E.

If A truly applies, then E is superfluous. The "legal union" is just a recognition that A exists.

So, I think your answer should be A.

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

Here's my response to the question: Shut up and give the gay bashing a rest.

[WesternPilgrim]

Originally Posted by AnUnidentifiedMale

Here's my response to the question: Shut up and give the gay bashing a rest.

In other words, you don't know or care what marriage is, but you know what you want.

And the whole country should be organized around what you want.