Need help arguing against a gay marriage ban

[Sugar]

As I've mentioned before, I work for the editorial page of my local paper, which means, I also sit on the editorial board. The editorial board, among other things, decides what the position the paper will take (if any) on various issues as well as endorsing candidates for office.

Last week the state legislature had a press conference essentially saying that they are planning to try to get gay marriage banned. Insiders say that they're trying to get on the ballot with the 2008 presidential election (PA's process is longer than a lot of states), no doubt since PA went blue in 2004.

SO I heard my boss say last week that perhaps we (the paper) need to sit down and formulate a stand on the issue. I'm one of the most liberal people on the board and plan to argue against what the state legislature is doing, however I have no doubt I will end up arguing with our more conservative members. I have been trying to ready myself for the fight by doing research, but have come up a bit short.

I'm looking for good solid pro-gay marriage arguments (or anti-ban ones anyway), especially retorts to the predictable anti-gay marriage arguments, since these are questions I know I'm going to have to answer.

One of the reasons I'm asking you guys becasue I remember a year or so ago I thought one of you (sparky, Tower, Strand???) had a really cogent retort to the whole "why outlaw three people getting married..." etc. argument. I tried the Ledge search, but still can't find it.

You can direct me to Web sites or other sources or just present your positions here. I'm actually a little embarassed that I need help on this and that I'm not well enough armed on my own, but I finally decided to swallow my pride and just ask for help. I'm really going to have to have my ducks in a row on this one; the area is istorically conservative and while I may not be able to convince them to come out against the ban, I may be able to punch enough holes in the conservative argument so that we just don't take one at all.

I really appreciate anything anyone can add...including any retorts to the whole "slippery slope" argument...