CJ wrote, and I believe this is his crux:
I strongly believe that allowing gay marriages will sweep away
whatever remnants remain of the concept of family. That is too high a
price
to pay in the name of 'tolerance.'

which is a principled and fair objection, and one that worries me too.

But, on balance, I see this: I see some of my friends who have been
committed partners for over twenty years who *want* to marry *because* they
are committed partners. They're too old to adopt and raise a child, though.
If fornicating Bob and Louise look up and see old Rod and Terry from down
the street trotting happily down to the courthouse to be married, perhaps it
will give them pause for thought about the value of the institution.

It sounds forced and corny, but I do believe it has value. Impinging on this
argument are (a) your beliefs about gays (are they all promiscuous
in-your-face protestors? No!) and (b) how many gay marriages are going to
end badly - we don't know yet.

-- David Brooks