Lawmaker Eyes Simple Fix to Gay Marriage Spat [View All]

[Feanorcurufinwe]

Get the government out of the business of "marriage" and have "civil unions" for all. That is the gist of a new proposal that could resolve the raucous debate over gay marriage, according to Paul Loscocco, a Massachusetts state representative who is presenting the idea to colleagues.

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For Loscocco, the controversy boils down to the language used to describe civil and religious unions, which is why he wants to formally distinguish the two -- as do certain European countries like France.

"A lot of people can't put their finger on why they're opposed to gay marriage, but when it comes down to it they're confusing the civil with the religious acts," the Republican lawmaker told Reuters. "We have two concepts using the same word."

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Under French law, the only marriages recognized by the state are those performed by the state. Religious wedding ceremonies are done according to religious custom but merely reflect a couple's spiritual beliefs and have no real legal standing. The practical effect is that a French couple must go to local city hall to get their marriage license and participate in a brief ceremony performed by a governmental official, typically the local mayor.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=nm/rights_gays_marriage_dc