Well that brings up a very fine line Mr. Q.
If the Gov stays out of marriage, homosexual or otherwise, we need to remove all religious symbols, sayings, thoughts, and paraphilia from our county.
The fact of the matter is that this county was founded by God-fearing Christian conservatives and our Gov is encapsulated with God everywhere.
We can not pick and choose where we want to allow the Bible to be used as a moral compass. It clearly states that homosexual marriage and relationships are sins. Just like murder, adultry, lying, stealing, and so on.
If we want to Gov not to adopt the Bible's definition of what marriage is, between a man and a woman, should we then also choose not to adopt what the Bible has to say about murder, lying, cheating, stealing, and other punishable crimes?
I didn't say we can't have marriage in this country. If you're trying to say I did, you're putting words in my mouth.
What I said is the State and Federal Government (all government for that matter) needs to stay out of the business of marriage.
I recently made this argument on MGO, I'll make it here again.
Marriage is basically a ritual/institution that involves 3 components:
1. A contract. We don't need the state involved here because we only need the state involved in a contract if there is a dispute over it or a need to dissolve it (IE: divorce). But when forming any other contract, the state isn't needed. Think if you have a neighborhood guy mow your lawn. You agree to pay him $20 for his service. This is in essence a contract. Do you need to register this contract with the State in order to enforce it in Court? Absolutely not. In fact, since it's under $600 the Statute of Frauds says the contract needn't even be in writing, just a good ole fashion handshake will work (a neutral witness will help).
2. Romantic. The State has no business in saying who can love who and for what reason. Even if you argued they did (essentially saying it should be a crime to be gay or lead a homosexual lifestyle), you have no way to practically enforce this unless you plan to install cameras in people's homes. I hope you're not for that...?
3. Religion. Marriage, in the Christian Marriage sense, involves a ceremony often in a church, often performed by an ordained minister, the ceremony typically includes sacraments and or scripture readings. The state has no business prescribing or "establishing" religious matters.
What I am perfectly okay with: a Christian Youth Group using a public school classroom after school hours to hold their meeting assuming this same opportunity is open to other secular groups. Gather around the flag pole at recess and say a prayer. Heck, the teacher can even meet with the kids before school starts and have a prayer as long as it isn't a requirement for class.
Please note: I was raised a Lutheran and presently consider myself a non-practicing Christian. At the very least I could be considered a "theist".
The simple fact of the matter is the state has no business being in marriage. You can have people make a contract, live together in love, and have a religious institution (call it whatever you like, you could call it "Marriage" or "Boondogel" *shrugs*) WITHOUT ANY INVOLVEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
I've defended my position with logic and reason, I'd challenge you to do the same.
Please note: I am a minarchist libertarian. If you are a so-called neo-conservative or a member of the "religious right", I wouldn't expect you to understand my position no matter how much we talk because those positions aren't typically supported by logic and reason but rather religious traditions that endorse the use of government initiated force. Let me ask, were Abraham and Sarah married by the government? If so, which one? (I don't think there was a government then). Were Adam and Eve married by a government? NO NO NO! Yet their marriage was just as sacred in the eyes of God even though it wasn't "blessed" by man via the issuance of a piece of paper.