I know it’s dull, but that’s one thing that separates us from our political enemies: we validate our opinions, no matter how seemingly obvious they are, by running studies. It’s a very necessary part of the process.

Sometimes the research results actually end up differently than we all would expect. Sometimes they don’t. But you still need the research to be sure (from a scientific/policy viewpoint). Not running the research is lazy and intellectually sloppy.

However, if it is helpful to get marriage equality, then by all means use it. I suppose the religious fanatics might need to see something like this. Although reasoning is not one of religious people’s strengths.