Reply #25: I know. Even here on DU.

[Pithlet]

More than one DUer has accused me of dictating the religious beliefs of others by merely stating the fact that marriage is a legal contract. Yes, by merely stating that fact, I am dictating the religious beliefs of others. I guess the logic is that I'm denying them their religious connection to their marriage? I don't know how that could be. But, it's usually someone arguing that marriage is religious, of course. I've also had it implied that my marriage is less valid because I didn't have a religious ceremony. So I'm not surprised at that 20% poll result. I think that's why so many people think civil unions sound like a good idea. It's not religious, so then it wouldn't bother the religious people. Aside from the many other reasons this is wrong, it won't appease the bigots, because the true reason they want to exclude is hate. It's not really the the religion; they're just using the religion as an excuse and a tool to convince people. It won't stop them. I really hate the whole change marriage to civil unions and give marriage to the religious cop out. It's giving in to the bigots, and it won't stop the hate based exclusion.