Nor is the institution of marriage threatened by the failure to pass this proposition. I think that we would all agree that marriage is viewed differently by many today than it once was. With no-fault divorce it is relatively easy for a couple to end a marriage. And many couples choose to do so for a variety of reasons. These divorces do not threaten marriage.
Many couples choose to live together today without the benefit of marriage.
Some are young adults who do not feel they are ready to make a commitment. Others are older couples who do not want to suffer the financial consequences that marriage would entail. Their choosing to live together does not affect my marriage, nor should it affect yours. No one should favor this measure believing that it will strengthen anyone's marriage or the institution of marriage itself. It won't Another concern of opponents of Proposition 22 is that it will be used to deny gays and lesbians hospital visitation rights or inheritance rights.