So sick of listening to idiots on both sides of the political and religious fences haggle over whether or not gays should be allowed to marry. The best solution would simply be to ban marriage altogether. Considering 50 percent of them end in divorce anyway, what is the point?
For insurance purposes? Not such a big deal to adjust the parameters of coverage on any policy. Any man or woman should be allowed to include in their plan all of the following at their own discrection: Themselves, their children and the partner with whom those children were created. Done.
For purposes of property ownership? Two people don't need a legal certificate of marriage or civil union to protect themselves against loss. Get a lawyer, hammer out a contract and sign the damn thing. Done.
For religious purposes? If you want to be married in the eyes of the Lord, fine. It doesn't have to be any sort of legally binding commitment that requires a license. Unwitting babies are baptized all the time in the eyes of God and it's recognized only (if at all) by a non-legal document. Do the same thing with marriage if you have a spiritual need to make it "official." Done.
Face it, I'm right. You're welcome.