And I think the separate but equal problem is a very compelling reason to remove rights from marriage entirely. Codifying religious beliefs into law shouldn't be accepted. Trying to redefine religious beliefs in law stirs up more controversy than it should.
Amending the law to force all couples to get the equivalent of a civil unions satisfies both camps.
Further, once marriage holds no rights, the government cannot stop a gay couple from getting married if a nice tolerant church wants to marry them (of which there are plenty). The issue is solely religious at that point. And "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ..."
Just like the government can't force a church to marry someone, or force a very intolerant religious community to accepting that marriage.
Amending the law to force all couples to get the equivalent of a civil unions satisfies both camps.
Further, once marriage holds no rights, the government cannot stop a gay couple from getting married if a nice tolerant church wants to marry them (of which there are plenty). The issue is solely religious at that point. And "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ..."
Just like the government can't force a church to marry someone, or force a very intolerant religious community to accepting that marriage.