[LightBulb]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I think we need to get rid of the term marriage altogether, except as a religious ceremony. Make the license for EVERYBODY say "Civil Union License" and make the rights the same as they are for marriage currently.

Why argue for a separate but (allegedly) equal system?

Originally Posted by AGDee

This would be your legal version of marriage. The religious version would be up to the churches entirely, just like Baptism or other ceremonies are.

Opposite-sex couples can get legal marriages (e.g. at the courthouse) without getting religious marriages (e.g. at the church); why shouldn't same-sex couples have this same opportunity?

Originally Posted by AGDee

Take the religion completely out of the legal aspect of the whole thing. Then the government is allowing the same thing for any consenting adult and the churches can do what they want.

The government cannot force a church to marry a couple for any reason! However, it can do its citizens the justice of allowing them legal marriage.

ETA: Sorry, I misread your post the first time. I thought you were saying for only same-sex couples get civil union licenses. My bad. Please disregard this post.