I live in a country (Australia) that is very secular and has an ever increasing number of atheists and non practicing Christians. Despite that fact we still have not legalised same sex marriage. Though civil unions are allowed of course. I think even when taking religion out of the equation many people will maintain a disliking to something that is different or is not considered the norm.
Also doesn't help that many in the gay community and especially in Sydney where I live don't do themselves any favours by mocking Christians at events like the mardi gras by dressing up like nuns and priests. This only hardens attitudes and increases distrust and disrespect.
Now with that in mind and considering same sex civil unions are legalised why is there such a strong push to allow same sex marriages? And how would they propose that this be enforced?? Do we force Churches and other religions to wed same sex couples against their will? How do we do so without infringing on their beliefs?
Personally for me this is a non issue. It only becomes one if someone attempts to force their values onto my own. I think the majority in Australia feel the same way and that it is only a small but vocal minority that want to change the status quo.
edit- I can understand a push being made if civil unions don't have equality under law compared to traditional marriages but if not then laws simply need to be ammended to have equality without forcing religious communities to perform same sex marriages unless they freely choose to do so.
