But for nonbelievers in the possibility of a marriage between two people of the same sex, it is not and it cannot be, a "state issue".
If someone does not believe that such state-sanctioned sexual arrangements are a "marriage", and if he or she transacts business that lies within state commercial codes, then calling it a "state matter" means that the police power of the state in question may be used to force him or her to execute documents, write employment contracts, pay benefits to, etc, a man's "husband" or a woman's "wife".
For nonbelievers, this establishes a tyranny.
Do you agree that, as a "state matter", that this is OK?
I think the “state” (whether that is Federal or Local) should get their nose out of the marriage business. I married my wife in front of God and our families. It is an oath and contract that I take very seriously.
But, that is my heritage and my religion. I come from a part of the country where religion is a personal matter between myself and God.
I believe that the “legal” part of the process is the business of the state in terms of the benefits that it bestows on the couple. That part of the process should be available to two people no matter their religious background. And I guess this means those who engage in a civil union.
If it were left up to the people, most people would respond as you and I do—where a marriage is a contract between God and the couple (m/F).
The issue is semantics: What does the word marriage mean? I see it as a religious union. But what does it mean to an Atheist? Or a gay couple?
I do know gay couples who have had more solid commitments than a lot of hetero relationships. They had to spend thousands of dollars to get the same legal protections that I have through a $35 marriage license. That does not seem fair and equitable.
The solution is to have a two stage process: The religious process if you believe in that. And a civil registration.
I know and you know that God blesses our marriage. The Commonwealth recognized my marriage thirty years ago. But, as in most things, I do not really care what the Commonwealth recognizes.