Despite opposing redefinition of marriage, Californians have already conceded civil unions to same-sex couples. But gays have rejected anything short of full use of the same word that applies to traditional couples. Therefore, I propose a solution:
Marriage obviously means different things to different people, and carries many religious implications. Hence, like separation of church and state, let us separate marriage and state. I suggest the government grant only “civil unions” for the purposes of civil benefits and rights. This avails “marriage” to be ordained by churches or freely interpreted by individuals as they see fit within their circles. Couples would have full equality in civil recognition while retaining the discretion to set their marriage out as sacred within their church or unique to their beliefs.
This article appears in Nov 13-20, 2008.