| − | '''Marriage''' is a form of [[interpersonal relationship]]; a kind of social contract. Most often, it takes the form of a union between a [[man]] and a [[woman]], however, other forms, such as [[polygyny]] (one man and more than one woman), [[polyandry]] (one woman and more than one man), and [[group marriage]] (any number of men, any number of women) exist. In the civilized Western world marriage as an institution between one man and one woman has been a cornerstone of community for many hundreds of years. Recently there has been a push by [[liberal]]s for "same-sex marriage". A large portion of the reason for this push is because of the benefits married people gain in the United States, especially in regard to property rights. Same-sex marriage has no basis in scripture. In United States law, marriage is defined by each state and same-sex marriage is allowed only in Massachusetts. It might be worthwhile to note that interracial marriage was illegal in most states during the 19th century<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17600-2005Feb11.html Marriage in the March of Time]</ref>. | + | '''Marriage''' is a form of [[interpersonal relationship]]; a kind of social contract. Most often, it takes the form of a union between a [[man]] and a [[woman]]. In a few times and places, other forms existed, such as [[polygyny]] (one man and more than one woman), [[polyandry]] (one woman and more than one man), and [[group marriage]] (any number of men, any number of women). |
| | + | In the civilized Western world marriage as an institution between one man and one woman has been a cornerstone of community for many hundreds of years. Recently there has been a push by [[liberal]]s for "same-sex marriage". A large portion of the reason for this push is because of the benefits married people gain in the United States, especially in regard to property rights. Same-sex marriage has no basis in scripture. In United States law, marriage is defined by each state and same-sex marriage is allowed only in Massachusetts. It might be worthwhile to note that interracial marriage was illegal in most states during the 19th century<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17600-2005Feb11.html Marriage in the March of Time]</ref>. |