the only benefit homosexuals could gain by officially calling the relationship a "marriage" is for tax/insurance purposes. They could be just as happy, (or some comedians would argue, unhappy) living together without a marriage license. But suppose for a second gay marriage is allowed - this would make it possible for two college roommates to claim they are homosexual and get "married" in order to get a better position in terms of taxes/insurance

1. Taxes and insurance are not the only benefits provided by marriage. In an emergency room, people who are not considered immediate family by the hospital are barred from seeing patients. Information concerning the patient is also withheld from anyone who is not immediate family. The insurance issue is also a big thing, and its not about greed, health care is terribly expensive. Why should the child of a gay man or woman not be allowed to be protected by his/her partner's insurance?
2. I have a male roomate, and I am female. Should we get married for tax reasons? Men and women living together who are not romantically involved is an increasing phenomenon, but do we really think any of these people get married for tax reasons??

So, if we really think a need for same-sex marriage is borne out of greed why not ban marriage all together? Quick, before my roomie and i deside we need a tax break.