"The lack of a test and requirement to reproduce indicates a lack of seriousness about that goal."
Not really. The reality is, the vast majority of hetero couples who marry have kids. Not a single homo couple can have children.
". In fact many people seem to be reporducing without the benefit of governmental sanction."
Yep, and look what a mess it makes when that occurs. It's always best to have children when there is a mommy and daddy who are committed to one another for life. Anything less facilitates maladjustment.
I don't disagree with what is the most stable situation. The government doesn't require the MOST stable situation. So what's the point. We "allow" all kninds of family situations, ignorant people to marry (and post I might add : ), sterile people. We allow single parents. Most or many (don't know the number)states allow homosexuals to adopt. So what's the point of what's ideal. We're discussing what the law should allow.