...exclusion from marriage violated the state constitution's common benefits clause. The clause affirms that "government is, or ought to be, instituted for...the particular emolument or advantage of any single person, family, or set of persons, who are a part only of that community." That argument resulted in...

...to them" (Article I, Section 2). And in language that also echoes the Declaration of Independence, "Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the...security of the people, nation, or community . . . and, when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community...

...magistrates, therefore, are their trustees and agents, and, at all times, amenable to them. 2. That government ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people; and that the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish,...