Bridgman - I understand government licenses marriages. I just don't think they have any business doing so.

200 years ago, governments also approved the idea certain people could own other people.

That was not so good for freedom, either.

Edit - Bridgman, The citing of things like "in sickness and health" is the religious aspect of marriage, and is not relevant to the government licensing nor sanctioning.

I gather from your response you are in favor of preferential treatment for marrieds over single people ?