Letter: Civil union benefits already in place

With all the letters about the “rights” of adults to marry, children have been largely ignored.

The unique aspect of traditional marriage, unlike other contracts or institutions, is its intent to create children from two parents committed to raising those children to adulthood. Shack-ups don’t do that — they lack the commitment.

Same-sex partnerships don’t do that — they lack the ability to reproduce.

Adoptive couples, unwed individuals, and same-sex couples do make fine parents, but only a husband and wife can become parents as an expected result of marriage.

Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

In 2009, the Washington state Legislature created civil unions to provide every legal privilege of marriage that same-sex couples or older couples might want.

The voters confirmed that law with Initiative 71.

What substantive privileges or benefits do same-sex couples want from the state that they did not get with civil unions? None.

What new benefits would they get from the federal government under same-sex marriage? None.

Marriage is about society’s commitment to children. Adults can take care of themselves.

David Arnett

Vancouver