This argument is always appalling when I see it:

"The definition of marriage predates recorded history," said New York State Catholic Conference Executive Director Richard E. Barnes.

What the heck does that have to do with anything? THIS COUNTRY is almost 300 years old. THIS COUNTRY states: life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. THIS COUNTRY - which was considered "radical" at the time of its formation b/c NOTHING LIKE IT had EVER BEEN DONE BEFORE - has, as of this writing, spent OVER HALF of its existence defending the notion that black people are dogs and women are robots. And keep in mind that I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT SOME OTHER DICTATOR LED COUNTRY; I'm talking about a land where FREEDOM - supposedly - reigns. Whatever prejudices happen to predate history itself I don't think mean anything.