Proposition 8 for California's November 2008's election proposes "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” has raised a lot of controversy.

I propose a deeper solution involving the separation of Church and State.

I propose that Federal Law only recognize and benefit Civil Unions or Domestic Partnerships. I propose that Marriage definitions and recognition be left to religions.

Separating the two allows religions to perform their binding of two people together by their definition, while allowing the state to give benefits to two legal adults who commit to share their lives and assets in Civil Union or Domestic Partnership.

Religious definitions of marriage conflict with legal allowances of Domestic Partnerships because many religions do not condone same-sex marriage. A legal commitment defined by religion is oppressive to those with other beliefs. By defining marriage as a religious institution traditional Christian marriage can stay intact and sacred. Meanwhile, families which do not fit the traditional view may also be eligible for the legal benefits that come from building assets and lives together.

Thank you for your time,

Lynnessa D. Cook