There are in every state two categories of marriage available (to differently sexed individuals): one is religious, the other civil. A male and female may be married civilly by the 'justice of the peace' or a judge, or they may instead be married by a religious leader (Priest, Rabi, Mormon Bishop, Pastor, Minister, Pagan Leader, etc.) - or in some cases by both. In the civil ceremony they are married in the eyes of the law and have all the rights and privileges the law bestows upon such individuals. The law also extends the privileges of performing the civil aspect of marriage to certain religious leaders who typically must apply with the state to be granted the right to perform marriage. The application process usually verifies their church leadership status. Marriage in a religious ceremony, done by an individual who has been given authority from the state to perform marriage, bestows the civil/legal rights of marriage to individuals and additionally a religious significance.Gays ask for no more nor less than simply the civil category of marriage under the law."Civil Unions" (a civil contract) simply do not give same sex couples the same rights and privileges given to differently sexed couples who are married in the civil, legal sense. Same sexed individuals simply ask to be treated equally under the eyes of the law. The term for unequal treatment under the law is discrimination.If a religious organization wishes to exclude same sex couples from their religious definition and ceremony of marriage, or have any other prerequisites or exclusions, they of course already have and are guaranteed that right. A Roman Catholic Priest for example is not forced to marry a person of the Jewish faith. Therefore if same sex marriage were legalized a religious leader would still be able to refuse to perform a marriage that was contrary to the belief system of their religion. Any argument to this issue which says marriage of same sex individuals is contrary to their religious definition of marriage is simply trying to impose their religious beliefs upon the legal definition of marriage.No one would say Barack Obama could not be president because he was black. No law says a gay or lesbian person must be excluded from becoming a member of Congress. In whatever arguments it may be clothed, prejudice is still prejudice and discrimination is discrimination.
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