I think the reason that it is important is that the piece of paper entitles you to different rights and frequently different benefits than 2 single people (gay or straight). This ends up being an economic issue when a company now has to provide medical benefits, for example, or 401k beneficiaries change (by law your spouse is your 401k beneficiary in the event of your death unless specific paperwork is filed.)
Of course, on the other hand, the piece of paper entitles you to pay more taxes (in the US) under some circumstances.
None of the economic factors outweigh the pure human factor that two people who love each other and are willing to make the legal and binding commitment should be able to do so, no matter their respective genders.
I am glad to know that I work for a company that treats gay partners the same as married people if they request it... even if though it is "unfair" because they do not have the same legal bindings that my wife and I do.
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