The argument of same-sex marriage is significant, not only for the religious and legal precedent, but more importantly for the welfare of families, especially children whom now and in the future may be profoundly affected by the legalizing of homosexual marriage.
             Marriage is a unique practice, in that it is both a religious sacrament and legal registration controlled by the state. Throughout human history, according to religious tradition and as a matter of natural law, marriage has been tied to potential procreative sexuality, which is a monopoly held by heterosexual couples.
             The suggestion that the state has no real interest in marriage is a stunning repudiation of the unique contributions of heterosexual marriage to society, to the state, and to the individual--and particularly to children. The marriage of a man and woman has long been favored because it provides the most favorable setting in which to conceive and raise children. "Child development is skewed, scarred or retarded when a father or mother is absent in the household" (Fein). Children, moreover, are the most numerous (and most innocent) victims of the current cultural disintegration of marriage. Indeed, the impoverishment of children has been shown to be a direct result of changed in family structure that have undermined and destabilized marriage over the past three decades. To halt this trend the law should clearly and unequivocally convey the message that the best interest of a child demands both a mother and a father. In an era where fathers are abandoning their children in unprecedented numbers and where mothers are opting to parent without the support of a husband, it would be irresponsible to adopt a marital policy which sends the misleading message that a mother and a father are not both important to the welfare of children.
             All children long to connect emotionally with their parents, especially their same-sex parent. This relationship is a vital part in th...