LOL....now this is why politics are debated!!! This was my initial response:

Quote Originally Posted by Psycho4Bud
The only thing that marriage has to do with government is benifits from social security, etc........if the church doesn't recognize it, why should the fed?

Actually, after living together for 7 years aren't you considered legally married anyways?
After reading this I have to change my vote on the issue!

Quote Originally Posted by Fengzi
For many, many people marraige is a legal issue and not a religious issue. Just ask the IRS, INS, or dozens of other government organizations. I wasn't married by the Church. I was married by the City of Shanghai China. Our government, however, recognizes my marraige as valid. We are considered to be maried. Not to have a civil union or whatever they call it now.

When I was engaged to my wife a lot of people asked my why I wanted to marry a Chinese girl. I told them "I don't want to marry a Chinese girl, I want to marry the woman I fell in love with". I imagine ots the same thing with gays. they just want to marrybthe person they fell in love with. Who are we to tell them no?
I'm not anti-gay what so ever but the implications on the systems that you mentioned is what concerned me. I forgot about that one factor though...the Justice of the Peace (State) also performs marriages....non church related! Seperation of church and state still holds true!

Thanks Fengzi.....GREAT post!!!!

Have a good one!:thumbsup: