Well, wanted to secure a spot to comment on while I finish reading this for starters, also tl;dr pretty guarantees a reaction from the OP, positive or otherwise, which allows me to talk to you directly(which we are doing now). Back on topic I agree with your ideas(pro gay marriage) but disagree with your approach, personally, I would call the abolishment of state endorsed marriage entirely, make things much simpler. The State uses civil union, the Church uses marriage, but are not mutually exclusive. Gays get the legal rights of civil union(which would be identical to our current marriage system), the Church gets freedom of religion, being able to endorse which ever forms of marriage they see fit, for religious purposes only. Seems slightly more radical yes, but would satisfy both parties.