by Dylan » Sun Dec 09, 2012 11:22 am
That was an application of rational basis review. Hence all of the "could belive" and "may believe" discussion. That's why it's such an important issue whether it's analyzed under intermediate/strict scrutiny or "rational basis" review (which is usually the whole fight in these types of cases--once it's pigeonholed into rational basis review it's hard for somebody challenging a law to prevail).
Note that your NY COA case never stated that the government's ONLY interest is in locking in accidentally preggers couples. It just said the legislature "may have" felt that was an interest that was not equally applicable to homosexual couples.
And it's just a poor decision honestly since the logic behind locking in accidentally preggers couples applies equally forecefully to couples who adopt and whose relationship later sours. More infrequently? Perhaps. But it's equally applicable.
So even if the state's only interest is in ensuring the welfare of children, this argument obviously does applies just as forcefully to couples who adopt.
And, in any event, there's numerous other reasons for government to be involved in marriage. Preventing illegal marriages (to gain immigration status, marriage of an adult to a child, etc.). Also marriage is a fundamental part of society -- you gain legal rights via marriage, such as inheritance preferences, the ability to make decisions for your spouse if something unfortunate happens, etc.
Marriage is an institution with far-reaching consequences well beyond whether or not you accidentally get preggers.