This opinion column originally appeared in usatoday.com on 12/11/2012.

Author: Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Jordan Lorence

The Supreme Court will soon consider why government is in the marriage business. A federal court in a Hawaii lawsuit recently answered that question well: Government can "rationally conclude that, other things being equal, it is best for children to be raised by a parent of each sex."

OUR VIEW: Supreme Court leaves 2 certainties

Laws defining marriage as a man and a woman can and do exist for good and rational reasons. They don't exist to unlawfully "discriminate" against anyone.

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