Prof. Stephen Heaney, an associate professor of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, uses a metaphor to help illustrate the importance of protecting marriage:

...The institution of marriage, defined as between man and woman, is like a hydroelectric dam; the accompanying laws about sexual activity are like flood barriers channeling the water into the dam. Together, they set productive limits to our sexual activities.

Over the last 50 years, we have knocked down the barriers to get water for our private purposes; now we act surprised when our land and homes are damaged, even destroyed.

Instead of reinstalling the barriers, those who want to keep their watery "freedom" yell, "Blow up the dam!" To do so, however, only extends the flood downstream.

Acting as though sex and marriage can mean whatever we want has not led to anything good. Officially abandoning their true meaning is not the solution. Don't blow up the dam. Reinforce it.

Define the meaning of marriage in our Constitution. -- Star Tribune