marriage equality or equal rights for unmarried couples?

The fight is on for marriage equality, and let me be clear about my position on the issue: lesbian and gay couples absolutely deserve the right to marry. But in my not-so-humble opinion, all couples (LGBT and straight) also deserve the right not to marry, and to have their relationships and families taken seriously nonetheless. I mean, come on folks -- I grew up in the '60's and '70's, was a women's studies major in college (with Honors, I might add!), and now I'm supposed to act like marriage is the equivalent of nirvana? Well, I just can't do it. So when the case comes up, as it is in the California Supreme Court next week, where a country club is denying privileges to unmarried couples that they provide to married couples -- my response is "sue the bastards," but NOT because they are discriminating against lesbians and gay men, who are denied the right to marry -- I say "sue the bastards" for discriminating against all unmarried couples, gay and straight. Let's fight for relationship recognition that includes the wonderful variety of relationships that exist in the world; not pick one "right" way of having relationships and then fight to get into the club. Okay, I admit it, I'm an old feminist. But hey, at least I'm honest about it....