Gay men and lesbians remain the only groups against whom this kind of bigotry and hatred is perfectly acceptable, even on the part of those elected to represent them in Congress. Allowing same-sex couples to marry can only strengthen the institution by showing that, even in these times of high divorce rates, all kinds of people want to make lifetime commitments to the people they love. Considering much of the condemnation of homosexual people has been based on their supposed promiscuity, it is only logical to legally sanction and applaud long-term, monogamous relationships. The issue of child custody is perhaps the most controversial in the same-sex marriage debate. Many people remain uncomfortable with the idea of such couples raising children together, despite the fact that numerous homosexual people are already parents, and increasing numbers of adoption agencies no longer turn away couples solely on the basis of sexual orientation.
Marriage is by no means a static and unchanging institution.
According to complex developer Jerry Lohla, the fees would have driven up the cost of rent, thereby defeating the purpose of the affordable housing units. The Board of Commissioners and the Board of Aldermen agreed to pay the impact fees, allowing Carolina Springs to offer the apartments at affordable rent levels. The vote also demonstrated that local government can know when to make exceptions to its own rules. While some may see the Board of Aldermen's decision as unnecessary government support for a private development project, the vote simply exempted the housing project from a government-imposed fee which would have interfered with offering the housing units at market value. The Board of Aldermen plans to cushion its decision's effect on the town budget.