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Civil Union & Religious Marriage

How many of us have been legally united to another?

Of course, contractual obligations can legally unite people to each other. But, ordinary legal contracts are not our concern.

Yet, there are those for whom religious obeisance has little, if any, importance.

For those, a civil union, performed by any Justice of the Peace, Probate Judge, Ship's Captain, or other legally authorized person has or will suffice.

Yet, there are others for whom religion is an integral and important part of life. Those folk frequently choose a religious ceremony performed by clergy, often in a house of worship.

Both groups, however, must obtain a license from the government to affirm their vows publicly to receive governmental recognition.

For the community of the faithful, obtaining a permit from the government is seen as an act of obedience, required before they may perform their religious ceremony. Some, in an act of fundamental disobedience, have refused to obtain permits from the government to practice their religious ceremony.

For the non-religious, obtaining a governmental permit or license is merely a step the process of acknowledging to the government that they are committed to each other.

Some in the faith community cite the First Amendment's "establishment of religion" clause that the government has no place regulating religion, and may not require any test or permit from the faithful to permit them to perform their private marriage ceremonies.

Others in the faith community have differing perspectives and willingly purchase governmental permits to perform their private religious ceremony of marriage.

Should government regulate private religious ceremonies?

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The Government doesn't care about the ceremony, you could ceremonally "marry" a goat, and the government wouldn't care (just don't consumate the relationship, that would be a felony). At the same time the government would not recognize the marriage. The marriage license is simply to have the government to recognize the union, as to have the legal benefits of marriage the rights & such. So you can still get married without a license, it just won't be legalized, so no benefits. For example I know gay people who were "married" in a ceremony but are legally unwed.
No, the Government should not regulate religion.

Yes, the Government should regulate and license persons who are recognized(by that Government)as being an exclusive pair, with the benefits and responsibilities that go along with being a part of that pairing. Such as tax breaks, property possession, wills and estates, child custody and other responsibilities/priviliges that only are allowed/required of a spouse.
Last edited by alacharger

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