The purpose of this petition is to require the federal government to replace the word "marriage" with the words "civil union" in all federal laws and regulations.
The word marriage has emotional and religious connotations for many people. The federal government should only be concerned with the legal benefits, such as tax, medical, death, etc., of two people choosing to document a committed relationship. These legal benefits should be available to any couple, whether opposite or same sex, who choose to enter into a civil union.
The word marriage will continue to be freely used in conjunction with a persons particular religious belief. My hope is that agreement on this petition will end the need for further discussion within the federal government about same sex marriage.