phase out marriage licenses issued by religious and other private groups, phasing in state-issued "legal partnerships."

Most of the current problems regarding the fairness or immorality of gay marriage could be solved if "marriage" and "legal partnerships" were completely separate. Religious and other non-governmental groups should not be allowed to authorize legal bonds recognized by the state for state-related purposes and benefits. Only state officials should be allowed to issue documents for or preside over ceremonies that create such legal relationships. Religious "marriages" should still be allowed but should not provide any legal benefits in and of themselves. State officials would not be allowed to discriminate against non-heterosexual couples who want to form a legal partnership in any State. Existing marriage certificates would be grandfathered in as legal-partnership documents.