If that doesn't happen, I could imagine a situation where a Church is forced by some crazy judge to marry same-sex partners.
We've learned one thing this past year. The judiciary is out of control. Anything we believe in that isn't voted away will be decreed away. A law like this takes marriage out of the hands of judges.
Some federal judge will likely find this law unconstitutional when it’s challenged in court.
They can just make it up as they go along now.
Would a “crazy judge” need to intervene? If a church chooses not to marry a same sex couple they would likely lose/risk their tax exemption through the feds.
A possible solution...
Same sex “marriage” ceremony practices for this church.
The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that same sex marriage is a constitutional right.
Given that same sex couples will be demanding their “rights” be observed, under threat of law suits, the following practices for such “union” will be observed until such time as the Supreme Court of the United States deems otherwise.
1. There will be no fees required by this church.
2. Decorations will be allowed no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the ceremony.
3. Decorations will be removed within 15 minutes after the ceremony.
4. The ceremony will consist of the pastor saying, “Do you (name1) take (name2) to be your USSC recognized “spouse”?
Upon response, the pastor will say, “Do you (name2) take (name1) to be your USSC recognized “spouse”?
5. The then says, "USSC now considers you to be a couple."
You now have 15 minutes to take all your decorations and witnesses and depart the church.
After 15 minutes you will be considered trespassers and appropriate action will be taken.
“States can issue civil unions and name changes, which are legal documents.”
But they apply to all states so they are not “state” documents. They are essentially federal.
Is that gonna be at gunpoint? By holding the preacher and/or congregation in full headlock? Will they use waterboarding to make them do it? They can't "force" me to do anything. They can punish me.
—I would be willing to bet that within a month, a same-sex pair will demand to married by a Roman Catholic priest and will attempt to file a lawsuit requiring him to do so upon refusal-—