I don't get it.

And I can't accept it.

As the State Supreme Court hears arguments on whether gay and lesbian couples have the legal right to get married, it's clear to me that this is really about those who want to impose their religious interpretations on society.

To opponents of same-sex unions, it's not really about saving the institution of marriage.

It's about preserving how they get to define it.

It's not about protecting children.

It's about maintaining the stigma they promote of having two mommies, or two daddies.

For gay and lesbian couples, it's about legal legitimacy and some degree of social dignity.

It's about raising children with a measure of acceptance instead of continued scorn.

Marriage - any marriage - is much more than what sexual activity takes place in the privacy of one's bedroom.

It's also about commitment and support; love and respect.

Those who sit in religious judgment of same-sex couples want to continue denying them the legal opportunities and stature that comes with being married.

And they do so under the guise of speaking on behalf of God.

That's not defending marriage.

It's defaming it.

Want to share your thoughts with Ken Schram? You can e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com