Marriage in realm of religion, not state

The Senate should not have wasted time approving gay marriage; instead, it should have abolished all state sanctioned “marriage” and replaced it with civil unions. The First Amendment’s words, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” would seem to mandate such a change.

If you want to get “married,” go to your priest, rabbi, imam and have it recognized by your religion as marriage. If you want the state to recognize your agreement, it should be a civil union regardless of sexual orientation. This should take the hate and fear out of the process and protect those whose religious beliefs are offended by the thought of gays being married.

Everyone deserves equal protection under the law regardless of sexual orientation. The legislature should write the laws with this in mind.

Paul Murray

Arlington Heights