Many thoughtful threads about this subject have included posts on how these relationships if made legal could benefit from those very protections that married people enjoy. If you would like I would be happy to do a search and provide links.

Also, why another thread?

that I'm unaware of?

so I find it odd you even bothered with this one.

There's too much preoccupation with the crypto-monarchist crowd (others call them libertarians) on this board. I get the point of talking about them when it comes time to slap down their ill-considered, moronic arguments, but not otherwise. It's bad enough having to listen to their teenage drama bullshit in everyday life without people droning on about it on the internet too.

Besides, most of the time the word libertarian is used is as a form of reverse red-baiting. The fact that it's used by people who do the usual red-baiting should come as no surprise. It's become a meaningless word on DU for nearly all purposes, so it'd be best if people left it alone. It does little to contribute to discussion, except as an insult that reveals the deficiencies of the user.

Controlling others and their choices is something I expect from the right wing when it comes to personal relationships.

I know that I don't know what's best for everyone else, and I seriously worry about those that do. Long as no one's rights are being infringed, knock yourself out!

But there is no reason that opening marriage to gay people logically leads to polygamy. That has been a false claim of the right all long, and now suddenly some DUers are arguing it.