Welcome to Reader Rant, ChristianMiller. Thank you for an excellent first post. You will get no argument from me. I agree 100% that the govt ought to get out of the marriage business and that the word "marriage" should be relegated to various religious orgs.
Presently, all unmarried people in general are denied the special government privileges of marriage, not just gays and lesbians.
Once government and its subsidies for marriage are withdrawn or made available to single people, then churches, organizations and individuals can deal with couples coming together, living together, raising families and doing what people have done forever. Couples are free to determine their relationships and characterize it with any words they choose.
Nicely stated, as are your 17 points about getting govt out of the "marriage" business.
