Yes, marriage is a religious issue -- a sacrament of the church. It is also a social issue. And it is a legal issue.
The Federal government has a legitimate role in the legal definition of marriage. For one thing, we don't need fifty different legal definitions -- one from each state.
Straight talk from Newt and Santorum.
It is also a Constitutional role of the Government. Article 1, section 8 gives Congress the responsibility to define weights and measures. I believe Federalist 42 discusses how 'measures' means specific legal definitions that apply to laws and contracts. That would include things like defining what 'marriage' means and the parties associated in said contract.
Marriage is a legal issue in the state in which it is performed.
All religious ceremonies either say, or the certificate says, by the power vested in me by the state of Texas (or whatever) I pronounce you man and wife.
Perry thinks we should send troops back into Iraq because of Iran.
Newt says if your’re trying to keep Iran out of Iraq, come up with a plan to oust the current leadership in Iran.
Newt says we need to develop an energy strategy so no American president ever again bows to a Saudi King. WOWSA!
This is not an issue worthy of these debates. Most Americans could give a sh*t about it. These useful idiots in the press have made it an issue and look the other way when a socialist is in th WH.