I think we should allow "civil unions" to swallow the institution of marriage as far as the government is involved. Any couple, gay or straight, would be able to receive the same civil union and whatever benefits and recognition that comes with it.
Marriage would still exist, but it would exist outside of government, probably only in churches.
PS, earlier in the thread someone mentioned that this is going to end up decided by the Supreme Court. I say not very likely. This is a public policy debate and is highly polarizing--exactly the kind of mess the Court likes to stay far, far away from. They are going to duck the issue for as long as they possibly can, letting the political process take its course.
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