The problem for those who assert biblical authority in support of traditional definitions of marriage is that one could, with equal validity, assert that the lending of money or certain kinds of haircuts are forbidden by God, or that slavery and the subjugation of women are authorized by the Lord.

My mother had a son from previous marriage and her husband died in Second World War.

Let a man do what he will by a single woman, the world is encouragingly apt to think Marriage a sufficient amends.

Love before marriage is absolutely necessary.

Sobering up was responsible for breaking up my marriage. That's what it couldn't stand.

Our marriage is strictly in name only. It has never been consummated.

You know, I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Never ever discount the idea of marriage. Sure, someone might tell you that marriage is just a piece of paper. Well, so is money, and what's more life-affirming than cold, hard cash?

I don't know of many evangelicals who want to deny gay couples their legal rights. However, most of us don't want to call it marriage, because we think that word has religious connotations, and we're not ready to see it used in ways that offend us.

But I think it's up to a local congregation to determine whether or not a marriage should be blessed of God. And it shouldn't be up to the government.