1. Are people (here, GOP, Conservatives in general,etc.) opposed to "civil unions" and/or any legal recognition of rights between homosexual partners (hospital visitation, property, etc.)?
I can only speak for myself but here is my point of view: In the eyes of the state, marriage is noting except a contract between two adults - no different than a business partnership. My church, on the other hand, see marriage as a holy sacrament between a man and a woman. Because there is a "separation between church and state" the contract of marriage is perfectly legal. Furthermore, I personally don't care what kind of partnership two consenting adults enter into.
2. What is the basis for this? (besides religion, eg. public welfare, safety, health, etc.)
See above
Furthermore, much like the spoiled child acting up to get attention, many high profile gay men and lesbians want the whole "marriage" ceremony to get attention.
As with most areas of my life, if it doesn't directly effect me, I don't concern myself too much with it.
("Not that there's anything wrong with that..." "No, not at all.")
"I can only speak for myself but here is my point of view: In the eyes of the state, marriage is noting except a contract between two adults - no different than a business partnership."
Hehehe.. Well although that might be true, it's a very simplistic approach to the States vested interest in marriage.
http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=freespace&Number=370649&page=&view=&sb=&o=&fpart=2&vc=1
This link to another board where I argue with a relentless batch of liberals and including one homosexual should sum up my position. In this thread I'm (well you should be able to figure it out). By the way if you want to learn how to argue against liberals and their sophists from a secular point of view I suggest typing in the name Hicup and reading all that is available..
I'd formulate a proper retort to your statement, but I'm being lazy and this thread is about as good as it gets covering all the bases..
D