Gay Marriage Defeated Again in Maine

Despite support from the highest levels of government as well as the media, the gay-rights movement hit yet another roadblock on the way to gaining legal approval for gay marriage. This time, it was a popular vote in the state of Maine that ended in favor of disallowing gay marriage. So far, referendums to allow gay marriages have lost the popular vote in every state in which they've been on the ballot - 31 so far.

Ultimately, this issue has probably grown larger than common sense should have allowed. In reality, what's the difference between living with someone in a committed and happy relationship and being married to that person. From a practical standpoint, the answer is "nothing." But, both supporters and opponents of gay marriage have locked onto the idea of marriage as somehow representing an important legislative issue. Symbolically, of course, there can be no doubt that not allowing certain types of people to wed is a powerful thing. Holding that "right" from them is going to keep the flames of anger stoked and will likely only fuel passion from gay rights activists.

At the end of the day, it's discrimination - pure and simple. Marriage is an institution created by humans and it was never meant to be exclusive. But it's exclusivity currently serves the purpose of discrimination, allowing the silent majority to ensure that the "institution" of marriage is "protected."