Jalpha wrote:If you can provide a source then I have learnt something today. I'd soon as not look uninformed when having this debate with others.
History of marriage
Anthropology
Monogamy, the predecessor of formal marriage, may have evolved as recently as 20,000 years ago.[13][14] There are estimates, based on sexual dimorphism, that place monogamy four million years ago.[15][clarification needed]
Myths and practices
While the institution of marriage pre-dates recorded history, many cultures have legends concerning the origins of marriage. The way in which a marriage is conducted and its rules and ramifications has changed over time, as has the institution itself, depending on the culture or demographic of the time.[16] Various cultures have had their own theories on the origin of marriage. One example may lie in a man's need for assurance as to paternity of his children. He might therefore be willing to pay a bride price or provide for a woman in exchange for exclusive sexual access.[4] Legitimacy is the consequence of this transaction rather than its motivation.
It's not very hard to find...
The thing is, you contradict yourself in that post.
Why can't it be called marriage?
"It's my word! You can't use it because you are a filthy homosexual!"
Is that it?
Seems rather silly and narrow minded to me.
But then, I don't care one bit how people want to live their lives because i am not part of it and it is none of my business.
You claim it's not nice to enforce your believes onto others, yet, there you go...