Absolutely agree with all of this very educated erudite argument except the incredibly surprising last sentence!

Genuine equality before the law, has to outlaw the alluded to practise of making women mere appendages of, or a sexual slave, (to) a man. Therefore, if genuine equality is the goal!?

Then it's a NO brainer, this answer has to be, a great big fat YES! YES! YES! OMG!

I'll have what she's having!

Not that you fool, put it away before I wring it neck until it dies!
Alan B.

Stop the 'equality' nonsense. SSM has nothing to do with equality, but is serving only to disrupt, change and tear down society. The Left hates the family and communities, and they will continue their assault on our society long after fake marriage is done and dusted.

Yet another SSM article.

I understand that inevitable side effect of Marriage (keeps women happy) is overspending on rings, then DIVORCE.

Men and women in a relationship are already (or at least should be) equal as persons, no matter whether they decided to get married or not. One can say the same about two women and two men in a relationship: they are already equal partners in a relationship with the same rights. That's why the author's argument is moot.

The author feels he needs to address equality because the 'no' side has had not addressed it so far. But in doing so, he totally misses the point:
The SSM debate is about the social, legal and moral status of a same-sex couple vs the status of a heterosexual couple in society.
Same-sex couples need to have the opportunity to have equal social status as a couple.

Why should we have two different standards in a democracy. There is a reason why we have to get rid of this Apartheid mentality: when has Apartheid ever worked without victimising one group of people?

There can never be equality for homosexuals! Once the fabric of society is finished the marxists will have complete control. Be warned Australia! It is happening in Europe.

"Registration of the marriage is simply a voluntary public declaration about the relationship. Many couples in a relationship that fits the definition of marriage don't register it at all"

It is my understanding that the Registration of a marriage in Australia is the lodging of the Notice of Intended Marriage + Certificate of Marriage + Declarations with the government agency.

Without these documents being lodged there is no registration of a marriage.