I was lead to believe the major reason homosexuals need to get married is so one sick queer can visit another sick queer in the hospital.
I didn't realize one had to be a patient's spouse to visit them. Just about every benefit that marriage grants a couple can be duplicated by powers of attorney, wills, etc.
I suspect that the motivation behind gay marriage has more to do with re-writing society's rules than "equality". (And yes, I'm also disappointed at the way hetero couples abuse marriage - I'm talking about you, Hollywood.) Otherwise, why would there be a problem with civil unions?
"Homosexuals: If you want to be invited to the dinner table of society, then put away the ass-less chaps." -Dennis Miller (paraphrased)
As for McCain's Chief of Staff being gay, who cares?
OK, it does make for some good jokes...