Children of lesbian and gay couples are disadvantaged when their parents are denied the legal protections of marriage, in lots of ways.  For example:

• Health insurance: Lesbian and gay couples with children are less likely to have access to family health insurance; those who have it pay more for it than their married co-workers.
• Death of a parent: Children are less protected financially and legally when a parent dies. The surviving partner is not entitled to any Social Security benefits and has no right to make claims for wrongful death, loss of consortium or negligence against the former partners employer.
• Inferiority: It hurts children by telling them that their families are inferior compared to other families. Many committed couples tell stories about their children asking:  If you love each other, why aren't you married?