[strictconstruct]

There are many many secular benefits to marriage. There's a tax penalty, of course, but there also come inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, veterans benefits rights, etc. I forget the source, but I read where there are at least 1000 federal rights/benefits that come with marriage.

[Tribune7]

I didn't ask what the state benefits where. I asked what the secular benefit is.

Why does the state provide people benefits if the marry?

The follow up questions of course are "why should a non-married person agree to this extra burden and why should he or she tolerate it?"

There is an answer which should be obvious.