Most supporters of an amendment tend to accept and abide the reality of homosexuals in society; they do not accept homosexual sexual practices, however, as normal. Further, amendment supporters recognize the procreative purpose of the sexual union at marriage's core. There can be sex - and procreation - without love; there can be love without sex. There cannot be legal procreation without marriage.

To include under the definition of "marriage" a relationship between two individuals of the same gender genetically incapable of procreation, would render the word (and the relationship) meaningless on behalf of individuals unable to achieve the full present meaning of "marriage" in a homosexual union.

Speaking of intangibles, what of the consequences at law of HM regarding the division of assets, alimony and child support in cases of adoption? The lawyers would love it.

And speaking of tangibles, what would flow from HM with virtual inevitability: polygamy, polyandry, pederasty, incest, bestiality?

Three quotes:

Columnist William Safire: "Civil union connotes toleration of homosexuality, with its attendant recognition of an individual's civil rights; but marriage connotes society's full approval of homosexuality, with previous moral judgment reversed."

Texas Senator John Cornyn: "Either we define marriage in the Constitution or [activist judges] will redefine it for us."

Colorado Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave: "If we redefine marriage, anything goes."

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Ultimately, a Supreme Court that has sidestepped an opportunity to uphold "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance in a nation with an overwhelming religious and Christian identity, is a court that without compunction can overturn any state or federal statute limiting marriage to the union of a woman and a man.

Given the demands of the homosexual lobby and the havoc homosexuality has wreaked in our mainline denominations and the culture at large, the nation needs a constitutional amendment grounded in normalcy and limiting marriage to heterosexuals.

There likely will be one, but the hour is not yet.