I've been toying with that idea, too: - make ALL marriages "civil unions" in the eyes of the law. Gay, straight, whatever, and they all have the same legal rights and benefits. - if you want to be considered "married" then you're welcome to do so in the venue of your choosing, but you're awarded no special status by the state or federal government. It's kind of like being knighted in the UK, but the US doesn't give a shit what you are. Also, I don't think legalizing same-sex marriage would force religious institutions to perform ceremonies against their beliefs. If they don't support same-sex marriages, then the couple is welcome to take their desired ceremony elsewhere.