Consider the public purpose of marriage

There has been considerable media coverage of a bill to legalize same-sex “civil unions” in Illinois. But why hasn't anyone in the media dared to address the heart of this debate: the public purpose of marriage?

Marriage is the institution that societies worldwide have recognized and encouraged because this unique relationship between a man and a woman provides particular benefits to society, chief among them the procreation and nurturing of the next generation.

Government sanctions the type of relationship into which children may be born and raised because the government recognizes that that institution that best serves the needs and rights of children is the institution that best serves as the foundation to a healthy society.

Polyamorous people cannot redefine marriage by eliminating the criterion of numbers of partners. Incestuous couples cannot redefine marriage by eliminating the criterion regarding blood kinship. However, homosexual activists persistently demand that marriage be redefined to suit their selfish desires.

The social science is clear and irrefutable: children do best in stable, healthy homes with both a mom and dad. Therefore, the government has a compelling interest to recognize, protect and promote the God-ordained institution of marriage. Marriage serves a public purpose that homosexual relationships simply cannot offer.

David E. Smith

Executive Director

Illinois Family Institute