It is hard to escape the onslaught of propaganda for and against gay marriages. It is unavoidable to form opinions, and often unavoidable to have to defend such opinions.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and they have been outspoken against the practice of gay marriages. Not all within in the church support this opinion: many question why they church is outspoken against gay marriage. I have reflected on this topic. What I ultimately decided is that marriage isn’t ultimately about love between two people and a way to express that love. Marriage is not about a couple. Procreation, or sexual relations, is not about a couple. It never has been. Marriage is about children. Marriage is designed to protect the creation, nurture and raising of children. It is designed to ensure that children can be born in an atmosphere of love and safety. Children are not dependent on one person, one sex, or one set of viewpoints, but instead of the joy of being raised by a loving partnership.

The traditional view of a family should be fought for. Sexual relations should only happen in the stable environment of marriage, as its purpose is to create new life, to bring children into this world. And marriage is designed to ensure that these children have the best chance to be raised in a good atmosphere. The church not only stands against gay marriage: it stands against all forms of sexual relationship outside of marriage. It speaks out against having children outside of marriage, whether in a partnership or without.

The ideal doesn’t always happen: death, divorce, infertility, abuse and more can ruin the ideal of a family. But it doesn’t mean that we should give up on the ideal. I am living the ideal: I am in a stable marriage with children. I grew up with a mom and a dad who loved each other. I am blessed because of it: my childhood was rich and full, and I certainly would do a much poorer job of raising my children by myself. And I am so grateful that are people who were willing to strive for that ideal family life, even when it doesn’t always happen. Without trying and fighting it won’t happen at all…and even if we don’t quite get there, we are better off from striving for the ideal.

I do not support gay marriage because of children. Marriage isn’t all about love, it is about protecting the interests of our children. And a gay marriage simply does not allow children the benefit of both genders, and is as yet: “a social experiment, and like most experiments it will take time to understand its consequences.” (quoted from here, see below)

For better articles on this subject:
Gay Parents and the Marriage Debate by Ross Douthat
Protect the Children by Dallin H. Oaks
No Other Gods by Dallin H. Oaks