Marriage is much like the very air we breath. Considering that each are different at various geographical locations about this marble called earth.

The state of air quality is as varied in path and strength as any marriage, irrespective of immediate definition(s) floating about on the winds of time, or, change.

Yes, gay marriages changes the current definition of [traditional] marriage; in that the act of becoming married under the law would allow another segment of our society to join the ranks and files of any other who read of jack and jill [traditionally] at a young age.

The tendency to put a black individual at the back of a bus simply because they were black, was a [tradition] as well.  But change and the winds of time made a difference in people's lives; but it did not re-define "people" as much as to remind us of that overriding, but defining point.

I personally believe the confusion in New York State surrounding gay marriages comes not as a head scratcher as a matter of law, as it has become the will of a majority of religious activist to continue to define marriage as a church exclusive [tradition]; rather than an application equal to all as a matter of law.

Another interesting spin is that "straight" individuals often complain of the possible public show of affection shared between a man/man, woman/woman and thus in plain view of the [traditional] man/woman marriage/family.

Often I will read a comment along the lines of "they (gays) don't need to shove their life styles down our throats, we don't care who they're having sex with, just keep it to themselves, and, in their own bedrooms" not in public.

Yet I have yet to read one single comment by anyone alleging to be gay themselves in this forum, in complaint, that [traditional] marriage is rammed down the publics throats on a daily basis; no matter your sexual orientation.

From here "comes the bride" to "run-a-way bride"... traditional marriage is promoted daily; and, rammed down even the throats of straights who are not themselves interested in being married, traditionally or otherwise.

This conversation has been reduced to a battle between "the etched in stone laws of God vs. the laws of man as ever evolving".

Time might be better spent once again reminding others the definition of "people", and keep the church/law/state each as temperate entities unto themselves, yet comprised of one another as a people.

People.  Define once again, please ?