[steve-b]

What if, in the eyes of the government, EVERYONE (straights and gays) had the right to a civil union? Abolish “marriage” from the law books and leave it to the churches.

Precisely. The logic of that is ironclad, unless one disagrees with one or both of these propositions:

1. Marriage is worthwhile.

2. Government is less competent than private citizens.

One who disagrees with the former statement obviously has nothing to contribute to the question of how to maintain the institution of marriage. One who disagrees with the latter statement is -- no lesser words will do -- a fool and an ignoramus, and need to be taken seriously on any subject whatsoever.

[BenKenobi]

“One who disagrees with the former statement obviously has nothing to contribute to the question of how to maintain the institution of marriage. One who disagrees with the latter statement is — no lesser words will do — a fool and an ignoramus, and need to be taken seriously on any subject whatsoever. “

“Marriage, while from its very nature a sacred obligation, is nevertheless, in most civilized nations, a civil contract, and usually regulated by law. Upon it society may be said to be built, and out of its fruits spring social relations and social obligations and duties with which government is necessarily required to deal. In fact, according as monogamous or polygamous marriages are allowed, do we find the principles on which the government of the people, to a greater or less extent, rests.”

Reynolds vs the US. 1878
MR. JUSTICE FIELD.