The modern legal structure of “marriage” exists largly to protect the person who takes on what was traditionally the women’s role in a marriage. There is no longer a legal obligation to have sex, leave the workforce, or dispraportionatly give up your property rights.

However, if an individual chooses to procreate, marriage helps insure the other party remains on the hook for the child. If an individual chooses to leave the workforce, and the relationship subsequently fails, marriage provides that individual substantial financial protections in the form of an equal claim to marital assets (and, potentially, alimony).

Without marriage, someone who chooses to take on the role of a homemaker places themselves in a very vulnerable and dependent position.

While these protections are no longer specific to women, they still disproportionately protect women; because heterosexual couples still disproportionately adopt a relatively traditional relationship.

There is also absolutely no requirement for a religious ceremony or diamond ring.