<p>mantori–
I agree with much of what you say on this particular issue (and in general), but you are taking it a bit farther than I had thought about.</p>
<p>For example, I do think the current concept of marriage should be civil unions for everyone (legal issues) and “marriage” left to the social/cultural/religious choice of the parties involved. </p>
<p>You are now saying that civil unions should be permitted between any persons who can sign a contract, I think. This could include multiple people, not just a couple? </p>
<p>My question is, how do children get protected in such a setup? In your design would we need ANOTHER set of laws to provide for “parents”?</p>