Reply #13: This issue goes back to equal rights & protections that are available.... [View All]

[WePurrsevere]

(on a federal level in this case) to straight "married" couples but not gay "married" couples because although they're "married" in every other sense of the word (possibly even in a religious/spiritual ceremony) the US gov doesn't recognize the legality of that "marriage" or a civil union ONLY because they're not a heterosexual couple.

(Not that anybody really gives a hoot but here's my solution to this issue) ... "separation of church and state" should also be applied to all long term committed relationships. The federal government should recognize both heterosexual and gay/lesbian "civil unions" and leave the choice to perform a "marriage" or not up to the religious/spiritual clergy members/churches. The fact is that as a member of clergy I can already perform a "marriage" ceremony for whomever I choose to within the dictates of my "path"... however it is not legally recognized without the proper state paperwork. IMO it is now up to the US government to stop discrimination based on sexual/affection orientation, stop using the religious term "marriage" for the state's legal recognition of a union (to help end the confusion) and stop allowing the "church" to decide what should be a "state" issue.

(edited for typo and clarity... I really need a lot more sleep but will settle for more coffee :hangover: )