Same sex marriage

I have commented on this in other places, but thought I would add it to this blog for those of you who only have access to this one. The idea of same sex marriages is now being debated in my state in the legislature. Mute is the fact that, if the law against these unions is passed, many heterosexual (but non-married) couples will lose many of their rights as well. To me, there is no issue of whether or not these unions are "right," or should be recognized by law... The issue I see is the seperation of Church and State.

Marriage is a religious institution. Of this there is no doubt. Of course, there are rights and responsiblities afforded by the State because of such unions, but marriage is, largely, a religious institution. If this is the case, how, then, can marriage be mandated by the state. Is there truly to be no seperation of Church and State? That is what it would seem in this case. By and large, most opposition to same-sex marriage is rooted deeply in religious beliefs. This is evidenced by such comments as "The Bible spoke of Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." How, then, can this issue be approached by the State, or its ramifications mandated by said State?

I do not think that I am either opposed to or for same sex marriages. That is not what this is all about. This is about the seperation of Church and State. Marriage, being a religious institution, should not be mandated in any way by the state. While the legal rights and responsibilites are evident, whether two people, of conensenting age, can or cannot marry, I do not believe, can be sanctioned in any way by the state. I do not believe that laws against any two consenting adults marrying could possibly be made, if one were to look at the basic concepts on which this country was founded.... but that may just be my opinion.