Quote Originally Posted by Seraphim View Post
Maybe the whole problem is that marriage actually is a religious institution, but the government made it a legal one?

Isn't the idea of "civil unions" supposed to address the government/legal side of things without infringing on the religious aspects of marriage?
Right on.
In my perfect little world...

Marriage: Happens in your religious institution of choice.
Then, you go to the town hall (with your husband or wife, regardless of your gender), and sign up for "Civil Rights That Come With Being A Legally Recognized Partnership." The state has not intruded on "marriage" but will give the rights to everyone. If your church won't do gay marriages, so be it. I'll find one that will. The state doesn't have to "recognize" ANY marriages. Just the rights that come with the bond.

Just another example of why the state and religion really shouldn't hang out that much.