As American society moved into 21st century, it appears that it has moved into a direction where it less and less considers marriage as a necessity. It appears that the only people that are fighting for its existence are gay couples. They are the only ones that appear to lay out value (economical and political) to this institution. This is some paradox of the morality of the marriage. As the things are right now, due to the gay movements, people got the benefit of adding a ‘domestic partner’ on their tax returns, medical coverage, etc. all available homo and heterosexuals. Funny, but sometimes it even seems that marriage is even discouraged by the government. There is a well know marriage penalty for being married when filing a tax return, stress and load of money outflow for performing that marriage ceremony, long lines and dues in obtaining a marriage license and then a similar line and dues to actually get the marriage certificate, huge lawyer fees and filing fees for divorces, etc. Are there any benefits of the marriage institution left at all?

Medical
If a wife works in a nice company and has a full medical coverage for her family.

Medical
If a wife works in a nice company and has a full medical coverage for her family.

Apparently a marriage certificate is no longer required for this. A domestic partner gets the same benefits. Children are covered with or without existance of a spouse. So try again ;)

Are there any benefits of the marriage institution left at all?

Yes...

Love and companionship.
neither one of thoes would buy you cost over benefit neither nor or both.

Yes...

Love and companionship.
neither one of thoes would buy you cost over benefit neither nor or both.

rubbish, neither of those require marriage ... cohabitation gives u companionship and through sex you can reach the "pinicle" of love ;)
and all without any preasure of being legaly and socially tied at one place

If you sell a house being single, only $250K in appreciation are exempt; whereas, if you sell a house being married, $500K in appreciation are exempt. So there are at least some tax benefits outthere -- not all taxes work against couples, some actually work for them. There are some other examples, but I'm sure you know them yourself, being accountant and all. :)

This is not to say that the only benefit left is tax-related, but you mentioned taxes.

Apparently a marriage certificate is no longer required for this. A domestic partner gets the same benefits. Children are covered with or without existance of a spouse. So try again ;)

I don't know if anyone ever told you about it, but usually things that are written down/documented are taken more seriously and those which remain oral. So, taking this into consideration, people feel more bound by the documents, of course not everyone. Obviously, there are people who don't care about anything or anyone. Also, a positive outcome of a marriage is the leverage in divorce.

Civil marriage doesnt mean much, to me atleast. I look at the spiritual and religious aspects of this union...