An easier solution which would further separate church and state would be to have the current "marriage" license be the civil ceremony itself, that makes you legally committed to your partner (gay or straight). This would cover all of the legalities.

Then if you were of a religious nature and wanted to have the union blessed by your faith then you could, the blessing would not be a legal union.

"Render unto Ceasar that which is Ceasars and render unto the Lord that which is the Lord's." Separation of church and state isn't a new idea.

Vermont like many other states has "common law" marriages where a couple lives as man & wife for 7 years they can be considered legally wed. Vermont also allows civil unions for gay couples.

If you don't want "gay marriages" then don't marry one!

I am married in a union that is recognized by church and state and I still have a DPA/LW.

I'm Catholic and now some priest in South Carolina says that because I voted for Obama I can't receive Communion. Abortion was the least of my issues when I was casting that ballot. If the Pope wants to increase the fold and correct the wrongs of previous years he better reign in some of the clerical fringe element... any other Christian churches have "open tables" for communion where any Christian is welcome