Gay marriage

We all hear people adamantly proclaim: “I'm against gay marriage”. If this is one's personal opinion, fine. But to lobby for its outlaw? That's a big leap. A leap many want to make without really giving a thought to what they're jumping into. Let's play along. Is this doable? Couple scenarios:

1) A man and woman go to the court house to get a marriage license. Before they take possession of the document they make it very clear, “we are both atheists. We do not, and never will, believe in any God or religion. Do we still get the license”?

Yes.

2) A man and woman go to the court house to get a marriage license. Before they take possession of the document they make it very clear, “we are both sterile. We will never reproduce for the rest of our lives. Do we still get the license”?

Of course they do.

Now, ask them why it should be illegal for gays to marry.

If their answer includes religion of any kind, no matter how subtle, it must be thrown out. Atheists marrying negates any talk of religion when it comes to nuptials.

If their answer has anything to do with reproduction, it must be thrown out. Sterility negates any talk of propagation of the species.

I have never heard an answer that didn't include one of these two subjects. I have heard, however, plenty of consequences they feel will follow—schools required to teach tolerance, Social Security will go up, etc.--but these are merely speculation to bolster their position. And in every case are discriminatory.

The core of their reasoning turns out to be religion based.

After their answer:

“Great, you want to outlaw gay marriage. Your first step: pass a law prohibiting atheists and/or sterile folks from getting married. Once you've successfully done this, we can talk of keeping gays from tying the knot.

Good luck with that”.