How exactly does the use of the word "marriage" on your certificate give you more rights?
Admit it, its not about rights-------its about having the government force the rest of us to calll your gay union a marriage.
YOU HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS, WHAT YOU WANT IS SPECIAL RIGHTS.
It's not just a word. The state issues a "marriage license." The state cannot provide a marriage license to some but not others, based on nothing other than the genders of the applicants, and then call that equal protection of the law. The law does not get to differentiate based on gender.
A man and a woman go into the courthouse, they get a marriage license
two men go into the courthouse, they get a civil union license
Both licenses convey exactly the same rights and obligations, THEY ARE EQUAL IN EVERY WAY. BOTH COUPLES HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME STANDING UNDER THE LAW. BOTH COUPLES HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME TAX STATUS.
Is it not about equality is it? its about forced social acceptance via the use of the word 'marriage'.
Social tolerance should be the rule, social acceptance cannot be legislated.
you are wanting to pass laws that mandate how people are allowed to think and what they are allowed to believe. Do you really think that is good for a society?