this week in god.... (Maddow blog)

[Stevepol]

10. A very simple solution that would be acceptable I believe to both sides.

The government no longer is in the business of defining "marriage."

Instead, when a couple wants to get married they will get a license from the government sanctioning a "civil union" with all that entails for any level of government: tax obligations, visitation rights etc.

Then the couple receiving that license can go to anybody they wish to perform the ceremony they choose.

This way the term "marriage" is defined by social and cultural groups and not by the government. This should satisfy all religions who do not want to recognize gay marriage since they will be free to express any idea they want. At the same time, those who are married in whatever ceremony will be given the same political rights of civil union. This should be all the government should want or demand from people who should be free to come into whatever relationships they wish to as long as the relationship is mutually acceptable to both parties and does no harm to others.

This fits the US tradition of freedom and liberty for all I think and does nothing to change any religious belief as long as that belief does not do injury to others.

I heard this from a commentator from OK about the issue being discussed on C-Span. Sounded good to me.