So, I know this is a sensitive topic right now but I wanted to see what people thought about it. Basically, I was wondering if there was a way to let both sides win(?)...BTW this is my first diary so be nice, haha...more below
It seems to me that religious folk have pretty much one objection (could be wrong, I'm not really religious) to gay marriage. It appears that they merely want to "preserve the sanctity of marriage" or words to that effect. Obviously I am ignoring the issues (hypocrisy?) about divorce, polygamy, etc. I am focusing simply on their argument that marriage is between a man and a woman.
What if we make all marriages, in the eye of the government at least, civil unions. Whether man/woman, man/man, woman/woman, and so on. No matter who it is, the government sees it as a civil union and all civil unions are equal in terms of benefits.
Now, on the side, if people want a marriage, they can go to a church and get "married". This marriage has no additional benefits (outside the church) and no additional status is conferred upon the couple. Religious folk keep their sanctity of marriage (whatever that means) and everyone one else gets their equality.
This occurred to me the other day and I don't believe that I have seen anyone talk about this (perhaps for a good reason, maybe I'm an idiot). So, let me know what you think.