It is true. Marriage is a positive force on society. For instance:

Married couples typically contribute more and take less from society.

Married couples support and care for each other financially, physically and emotionally and often contribute more to the economy and savings.

Individuals who are married are less likely to receive government entitlements.

Individuals who are married statistically consume less health care services, and often give more to churches and charities.

Married couples are better able to provide care and security for children.

So maybe someone can help me understand what negative impact committed loving relationships have on society, and why Gay couples should be excluded from the same benefits and responsibilities of marriage? Why is it that Straight (i.e. heterosexual) couples are encouraged to court, get engaged, marry, and build lives together in the contest of monogamy and commitment ... but Gay couples are discouraged from this?

What misconceived ideas will Michael tell us about next. His mind is like a merry-go-round of untruths and hateful lies.

We have already proven the procreative argument is false.

When Michael mentions sexual freedom, he only focuses on gays and lesbians. What about heterosexual infidelity and divorce? Divorce rates among conservative Christians are significantly higher than for other faith groups, and much higher than Atheists and Agnostics.

Michael talks about being gay as part of a sexual revolution. Homosexuality has existed throughout time. It is nothing new or part of a revolution. More and more people are learning that the thoughts and beliefs of people like Michael Craven are persecutory toward gay men and lesbians and with exposure and education they are ridding themselves of their discriminatory past.

Lastly, gay men and lesbians don't seek affirmation and approval. They simply seek equal treatment under the law, civil marriage. Nothing more, nothing less.