"I am pro-civil union as well and I want gay couples to be protected. Marriage is not a fundamental right. Why would gay people want to change the definition of something that already exists. I also think Bar Mitzvahs are for a 13 year old Jewish boys and Quinceaneras are for 15 year old Spanish girls. I'm a 28 year old female. I would like a Bar Mitzvah. Can I have one? Why not go with civil unions OR I would be all for creating some other new institution that is unique and special for gay couples that want to commit and have marriage-like rights, such as healthcare, etc. It confuses me when life, liberty and the persuit of happiness is interpreted to include various social issues like marriage and education. No one should have problems with inheritance issues, visiting a loved one in the hospital, etc. I just think (and some of my gay friends agree) that the label marriage defines a union between a man and a woman. I agree with you Mario, sometimes when you drop your opinion on this one, people lump you in with the far right crazies or religious zealots."