This is because the domestic partnership policies and ordinances enacted thus far have not included the same benefits and responsibilities provided to married partners. They do not provide equal protection and recognition. They vary from institution to institution, and from county to county, where they have been adopted. Furthermore, because they are local, they do not extend the full range of benefits that married partners receive on a state level. But even if domestic partnership were equal to marriage, it would still be separate.
Marriage is marriage.
The institution of marriage, like the family, has changed slowly throughout history to meet the values and needs of the people. At one time marriage was considered to be a union of two people of the same religion or the same race. As social workers we spend a great deal of time debating the ways we can strengthen and support the family. On a micro level we study systems theory to better understand the effects of the environment on the individuals. We study family theory and child development.