I agree re relationships being depressingly similar whether gay or straight.  I think that they are definitely worth it, and I also don't really accept the religious notion of "marriage," and think that's unnecessary.  But what is necessary with respect to "marriage" are all the legal protections that come with it, that get more important as you get older, and if you have kids, especially.

So, kudos to Canada and Spain (also the Netherlands and Belgium), and oh, yeah, Massachusetts.  California may be next.