Marriage (copied directly from Merriam-Webster):
1. a) the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law; b) the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage; c) the mutual relation of married persons : wedlock; d) the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
2. an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected; especially : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities
3. an intimate or close union
There's nothing in the definition about religion.
LGBT individuals want civil marriage and its responsibilities and benefits. Whether or not to have a religious marriage ceremony is something that is a personal choice, regardless of whether you are straight or gay.
But it's mostly based on religious beliefs that people oppose gay marriage.
I wanted to mention this because, as I write and speak about gay marriage and gay weddings, I'll be referring to the civil, not the religious institution.
How do you use the term marriage? Do you find that most people are referring to the religious or civil institution?
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