This past weekend I had the privilege of spending some quality time with my best friends.  As we sat around a fire pit, our conversation began as it usually does:  life, women, and without fail, politics and then religion.   Our beer-fueled discussion ultimately arrived at the topic of gay marriage.

I have a couple friends who made respectable arguments in opposition to gay marriage; mostly on religious grounds.  They don’t condone the gay lifestyle because of Biblical passages that say homosexuality is a sin.  And I respect those beliefs, but I personally support marriage equality on the grounds of freedom.

The Yes on 8 people (a bit confusing if you’re from out of state.  Yes on 8 means you’re voting, “Yes, please amend the California constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman) believe the following:

The Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage did not just overturn the will of California voters; it also redefined marriage for the rest of society, without ever asking the people themselves to accept this decision. This decision has far-reaching consequences. For example, because public schools are already required to teach the role of marriage in society as part of the curriculum, schools will now be required to teach students that gay marriage is the same as traditional marriage, starting with kindergartners. By saying that a marriage is between “any two persons” rather than between a man and a woman, the Court decision has opened the door to any kind of “marriage.” This undermines the value of marriage altogether at a time when we should be restoring marriage, not undermining it.  (Taken from http://www.protectmarriage.com/about/why)

I have three arguments in opposition to this view.  They’re my arguments, so take ‘em or leave ‘em.

1. The problem with this belief is that it ignores the fact that marriage has already been devalued by heterosexual couples.  Divorce rates are at around 50% in this country and the statistics on men and women who cheat are staggering.  My point is this:  In America, marriage has become disposable.  Any attempt to reinforce the sanctity of marriage must start with the couples who can already legally marry:  straight folks.
2. The fear that Yes on 8 supporters have of teaching kids about gay marriage is strangely reminiscent of the fear white folks had of desegregation.  I don’t mean to compare the current state of gay rights to the sorry state of civil rights prior to the 1960s, but people are generally afraid of change.  Just because something is traditional doesn’t make it right.  I think the Yes on 8 people are sending up paper tigers in an attempt to scare society into voting against equality.  We can try to hide the fact that same-sex couples exist or we can tell the truth.  It’s that simple.
3. This is likely my coldest argument and as such could garner the most criticism, but I think it is also the most tangible.  The global population is marching toward 10 billion by 2050.  I believe there is something to be said for same-sex couples as devices for population atrophy.  I know it’s callus, but in theory, same-sex couples cannot reproduce.  Every little bit helps.  My wife and I probably won’t be around when the severe global food shortages take place, but my children and grandchildren probably will.  If one same-sex couple eliminates one or two more mouths to feed, then great.

In review, this why I’m voting No on 8:

• Marriage has already been ruined by straight people; gays shouldn’t be scapegoated.
• Kids can handle the truth; it’s adults who have a hard time it.
• Not procreating is a virtue; this planet will some day reach capacity.