I hear you, but you like all the rest who do not get why it is a big deal do not understand the value of Marriage as a Christian. Please read my posts.
Marriage is symbolic.... very sacred to the Christian.
Christ and his Bride (the Church). A Marriage, union wich brings life. Very precious in symbolism and reality to the Christian Believer. You see this is what you and others do not get.
You can call it whatever you want and have the appearance of Marriage if that what you choose, but you can never have the pure, unadulterated, passion which stems from a God who loves is bride enough to give himself up for her.
What do you think the Song of Solomen is all about. Read His passion.
Doesn’t matter how important it is to Christians.
Churches long ago handed marriage over to the state. If you don’t want the state to make these choices, it must be taken back.
A marriage that is sanctified by the church is not tarnished by contradictory rules set by the state. A church is not required to recognize marriages that violate its beliefs. The state should not have to conform to any particular religious beliefs in its definition of marriage.