Mellow, this is, I think, the most eloquent, elegant elucidation of the topic I have ever seen:
Originally Posted by Mellowicious
1) If the issue is marriage for the sake of marriage, there are religious leaders who will perform gay marriages - not enough, but times are changing.
2) If the issue is recognition of marriage by the government, this appears to be an issue because government rewards marriage with certain benefits.
3) It is unfair for the government to reward relationships when participation in those relationships is dependent primarily upon a religious issue.
4) It is unfair for the government to give preference, in basic issues of kinship, inheritance, and family on the basis of religious definitions rather than on the basis of the rights of individuals.
respect

A well reasoned argument is like a diamond: impervious to corruption and crystal clear - and infinitely rarer.

Here, as elsewhere, people are outraged at what feels like a rigged game -- an economy that won't respond, a democracy that won't listen, and a financial sector that holds all the cards. - Robert Reich