Marriage has evolved, and it still should

Marriage, in the context of our government, is a civil contract separate from any religious institution serving to ensure a couple's ability to file joint tax returns, obtain inheritance rights, adopt children, and obtain discounted insurance, hospital visitation rights and Social Security benefits. Just as important, marriage encompasses societal respect and stability with its focus residing in a couple's love and commitment.

And yet changes to marriage have increased markedly over recent history to better reflect the ideals of society. We have embraced the acceptance of interfaith, interracial and non-religious marriages as well as the prohibition of marital rape and the establishment of divorce.

While these changes are explicitly prohibited by some religions, our society has grown to support these attributes as ways to better foster happiness for all. Did they result in an upheaval of marriage? No, they improved it.

Today let's recognize that in a relationship of love and commitment, the foundation of marriage, a couple's gender should serve as no barrier. There is no better way to protect families than to encourage committed and loving couples, regardless of gender, to enter into marriage.

Ryan Teahen

Iowa City