Things may be a little tense at the Gingrich Thanksgiving dinner

[lafinfil]

MacMagus wrote:
I'd prefer that all state-sanctioned unions be "civil unions."

Let's leave the definition of "marriage" to religious groups.

This is certainly the most logical solution

Retroactively make all marriages civil unions with a defined criteria (shared property, medical visitation etc ...)
Since they are already recorded as marriages let them maintain a dual status.

Set a date and from then forward make the joining of all first and foremost a civil union
and if a couple wishes, they can have that union consecrated by the church of their choice.
The folks that argue that marriage is a sacred union shold be willing to take that to heart.
The joining of two parties to make a life together is first and foremost a legal contract
which is why the government is even involved to begin with.

If a church does not wish to validate a same sex union then they do not have to - period.
If a couple wants to have the sacred blessing of the church then they can seek out and join
such a church that agrees with their particular view.

This is the type of solution that in theory should satisfy everyone but likely won't