I seriously do not see why a "Civil Union" which gives gay people the same rights as a married couple could not satisfy everyone (actually I do, as gays complain they're being excluded/treated differently and gay haters don't want to give them any more rights, but imo both claims are unreasonable and legalizing civil unions "should" satisfy everyone). To me marriage by definition implies a man and a woman and a civil union could by definition imply a couple of the same sex with the same legal rights,

Also a lot of the points Rhound is making (such as marriage has enough problems as it is, which I believe is referring to the 50% divorce rate) aren't really very strong/reasonable, as just because a lot of people don't highly regard the institution of marriage doesn't mean everyone doesn't, and the one's who are really upset about this decision are usually the religious folk who do respect the institution of marriage and aren't the ones getting divorced at a very high rate. Yes there are even religious leaders who do a lot of stuff just about everyone would argue is disgusting/horrible (I don't think we need specific examples?) but since everyone doesn't it's not fair to group them in all in the same category.

I'm not trying to turn this into a debate as tbh this isn't a huge deal to me either way (I've got way more important things on my list to think about and it's not like this is going to have any effect on my life), I was just surprised to read gay marriage was legalized and it seemed really one sided and I personally believe both sides to this issue has some legit points.

My thoughts (aka The Ultimate Truth):

Marriage should be decided by the church. If a church doesn't want to marry a gay couple, or a black/white couple or a cripple to a mexican (there goes MK's chance of ever settling down) it should be their perogative.

However, I don't think marriage should have ANY legal implications. Since it is something done by the church, it is a religious matter, not a legal one. The idea that the church can alter your legal status is a clear breach of the ideal of separation between state and church.

A civil union should be the way to get the legal status that is currently available through marriage, and should be available to any consenting adults. So just because a church dedcides to bless your disgusting heterosexual fornication doesn't mean you're granted any special rights, that's up to the state. And if you're a queer and want a religious ceremony, just join a church that allows it. If you can't find one, start it (The Latter Saints of Escape Plan 9 anyone?).