The institution of marriage has changed throughout history. It was only after the civil war that African-Americans were allowed to marry in all areas of the United States and it was only after a Supreme Court decision in 1967 that mixed race couples could marry anywhere in this country. But, today, society remains resistant to embracing marriages by same-sex couples. Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex marriage and same-sex couples were able to obtain marriage licenses in San Francisco and in various towns in New Mexico and New York for short intervals of time during 2004, but were not able to register their marriages.1 Like earlier marriage prohibitions, opposition to same-sex marriages has been grounded in fear and prejudice and must be overcome.

             One of the most common reasons given against same-sex marriage today concerns what the meaning of marriage should be. Those against same-sex marriage define marriage as the union of two sexes, not the union of two people. They believe that giving homosexuals the right to marry does not expand the definition of marriage; it destroys it. The reasoning is that homosexual relationships lack the permanence and fidelity to fit the marriage model of fidelity and a lifetime bond. Thus, they fear that society's expectations of marriage will change if homosexual are allowed to marry, further weakening the institution of marriage.2 .

             And, once same-sex marriages are allowed, opponents espouse the slippery slope theory, asserting that there will be no basis to deny marriage to any coupling or group. .

             Thus, polygamy and ployamory or group marriage will be the next trail endorsed by the same-sex proponents. If they succeed, government and industry would be forced to provide health and legal benefits for any grouping of people who decide to marry; the cost would be overwhleming.3 .

             Child rearing is another reason used to oppose same-sex marriages, with many fearing gay adoptions or the use of sperm donations to have children.