Should Government be involved in Marriage

Why should government, at any level, be involved in regulating marriages??? Is marriage nothing more than a simple contract between two peoples??? If we removed regulations, then anybody could marry anyone they so chose (as long as they were consenting adults). We wouldn't be bothered with the sideshow we have now.

Taxes could be simplified.
Property transition at death could be simplified.
Even medicare could be simplified (even though I may not agree with medicare, it is here.....let's simplify it).

I agree

As it is a legal contract it has to be regulated by the government to some extent. If the government was not involved, then the act of entering into the contract could not affect taxes, inheritance, etc. That said, I agree with the gist of Marc's sentiment.

The one thing i thought abt though is what would it mean for divorce proceedings?' There would have to be some form of arbitration for those who didnt submit to whatever rules of the church that marries them, or i guess "recognizes" it.

But its not like the gubment is gonna let go of that anyway, so...

Well, ya'll know what I think, so...

Pun wrote:The one thing i thought abt though is what would it mean for divorce proceedings?' There would have to be some form of arbitration for those who didnt submit to whatever rules of the church that marries them, or i guess "recognizes" it.

Yes, and thats a topic that transcends the topic of same sex marriage. How many married, atheist or agnostic couples are there in the United States? It does seem popular (at least in some circles) to treat marriage as a religious institution, and in some aspects it can be; however the constitution of a marriage contract can be entirely secular.