It is equality to have same sex couples use a different term for their marriage?
Nah, because "separate but equal" politics tends to slide towards one side being less equal than the other. It's also unnecessary in most cases.
Can a "separate but equal" policy really represent equality?
Nah, for the reasons above.
Is marriage a purely religious ceremony, or is it is a legal contract between two people sanctioned by the state, or even a combination of the two?
Both or either. In the US and most nations I've lived in it's a government/legal contract which generally has a religious component.
Do same sex marriages impede the religious freedoms of others?
Nah. If religious freedom is going to work as a social concept then legally acceptable discrimination for religious reasons can't be allowed to occur because it impinges on the freedoms of others.
Nah, for the reasons above.
Both or either. In the US and most nations I've lived in it's a government/legal contract which generally has a religious component.
Nah. If religious freedom is going to work as a social concept then legally acceptable discrimination for religious reasons can't be allowed to occur because it impinges on the freedoms of others.
EDITED TO EXTEND NAHS.
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