and in Europe isn’t marriage done at a local registry?
the church part is optional
The issue isn’t the church performing the marriage as a religious ceremony. That is still not going to be forced on religious institutions in the near future. The issue is whether a religious institution can be forced to recognize gay marriage partners for the purposes of benefit packages, and be prohibited from making employment decisions based on gay employees being married.
And believe me, that is definitely on the table. In fact, it will be required within the year.
the church part is optional
The church part is optional in the U.S. as well.
My wife and I were married in a county court house.