Peter is right, "civil unions" for gays and lesbians is going back to the idea of separate but equal. Which the courts have already ruled, (and history has proven) is anything but equal.

I also agree that the best solution to this issue is to remove the government from the issue of marriage all together. The fact is marriage is a RELIGIOUS institution, and the government has no place being involved. Tax-wise or otherwise.

The problem is that's a MUCH harder sell to the American public. Look at the resistance the gay community has just trying to get the right to marry. Imagine the outrage if what we were proposing was the end of state sanctioned marriage all together for everyone! We'd be demonized beyond all belief.

Whether or not it's the best solution or not, the only feasible way for gay and lesbian couples to have the same rights as straight couples is to allow us to marry.