I like to take the pacifist approach, yes, I accept people who are homosexual, and believe that same-sex couples should have all the rights and privileges that married couples get. However, I also respect the institution of marriage and religions who state that marriage is between a man and a woman.
I think we need another term to describe the union between a same-sex couple. Lawfully, they should have the same rights as a married couple, but I don't think we should call it marriage. Civil unions, I support
By tradition, marriage is kinda defined as the union b/w a man and a woman and also their families...etc.
I'm not too sure about that
If we really want to establish equality for homosexuals, then I think the only way to do so is by legalising gay marriage, and calling it marriage - not anything else
If we do call it something else, there will probably be some sort of stigma attached to that word, and as a result it will never be viewed as something that is completely synonymous to marriage.
Some gay people may feel as if their relationships are not as respected or as important as those bound by marriage, and as a result the disparity may remain. It may seem petty, but the word 'marriage' is perceived to be so much more symbolic(right word?) than a 'civil union'
Civil unions may be seen as less significant and not as legitimate (for lack of a better word)
To give gays a feeling of complete acceptance and equality, civil unions - although they are an important step - are simply not enough in my opinion