Even conservatives think it's a bad idea

The Arizona Republic, the conservative Phoenix daily newspaper, has taken a position against the "marriage protection" initiative.

What's more, the amendment being pushed by the Protect Marriage Arizona Coalition includes the statement that "no legal status for unmarried persons shall be created or recognized by this state or its political subdivisions that is similar to that of marriage."

Opponents of the amendment argue convincingly that this would prohibit towns, cities, counties and the state from offering domestic-partner benefits, which are used by heterosexual couples living together.

It likely would also prohibit civil unions for gay couples. Such unions could satisfy legitimate concerns about gaining legal standing to make medical and other decisions on behalf of an incapacitated partner.

It's good to see a conservative political stance that actually remembers what conservative political stances are supposed to be about: less government interference in individual lives.