I support allowing gay couples to marry because of - not in spite of - my values. And many of those values are the same ones deeply held by those who do not believe in gay marriage.

When I talk about the importance of the institution of marriage I think of the commitment and the significance of standing in front of those closest to you and promising fidelity to your partner 'til death do you part.'

So far 44 States or 88 percent of the States have enacted laws providing that marriage shall consist of a union between a man and a woman. Only 75 percent of the States are required to approve a constitutional amendment.

Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society.

Marriage encourages the men and women who together create life to unite in a bond for the protection of children.

But whether a couple is a man and a woman has everything to do with the meaning of marriage.

If we change the definition of marriage to be more inclusive then it is logical to argue that we should broaden the definition so that won't exclude anyone.

Marriage is sacred and protected and has nothing to do with violating our civil rights.

American couples have gone to such lengths to avoid the interference of in-laws that they have to pay marriage counselors to interfere between them.

Marriage is about the most expensive way for the average man to get laundry done.