Just curious on your preference to adopt over having your own kids. Is it conservation of resources, or avoiding the inconvenience of pregnancy?

I feel you can commit to someone without marriage. My last relationship was 14.5 years. We aren't together anymore, but that's longer than many marriages. Also, I was adopted and support adoption!

Marriage is between 2 people who love each other God or no God.

It's funny. Atheists who are against marriage have no problem calling it a religious thing even when they know better (literally in this thread).

Marriage is not religious. It's not pagan (that's still religious). It originated as a way for men to ensure their heirs were legit, because we all know BC wimmenz were all big ol hoebags.

Now it's a legal ceremony in a secular nation. Religious attachment is optional and totally unnecessary. There are tax benefits and other, often unseen benefits that have nothing to do with sex. Mostly it's just lawful commitment.

Make of it what you will. It's your marriage.

Why SHOULDN'T an atheist get married if they want to? It doesn't have to be religious. I had a religion free wedding. (Unfortunately, I didn't have a drug free husband so I'm not married anymore) I got married in front of a frickin shark window (no lasers though)

I have had this thought cross my mind as well. Marriage does seem like a religious construct, but I'm sure someone will chime in about it being pagan or something of the sort. Marriage does benefit you come income tax time, because you get a higher deduction. Go figure, a religious bond means you get more money, likely a way of securing religious tradition through monetary enticement. Score one for the kiddie touchers. Well played.