
Then a gay family member helped me see that the issue wasn't as complicated as I was making it. I now believe we simply can't have a two-tiered system where some of us have the right to marry and others don't, based on sexual orientation. The fact that gays and lesbians   including some who are already in committed relationships   want to get married doesn't weaken the institution. It strengthens it by allowing more people to participate. As more states allow gays and lesbians to marry   Connecticut recently joined the list   I've taken note that civilization has not crumbled.