The state legislature needs to think before they act to change the rules of marriage that predate recorded history ("Hundreds crowd Senate for hearing on same-sex marriage," Feb. 8). Marriage is and always has been between men and women. The last change was to one man and one woman.

It is a sexual union between a man and a woman that creates a child to be raised by the family. Take away sexual intercourse from marriage and what is left? Love, caring, sure. But love and caring exists in many human relationships.

What else? Health benefits? Tax benefits? Wouldn't it be great if a parent and child or siblings could marry! Great way to pass on an estate tax-free. Or provide group health benefits.

Many good intentions have ended in disaster. Better to outlaw marriage than change it. Come up with a better solution or don't change the law.

Arnold Abel, Owings Mills