With thanks to Waldo, this is the map of Europe with recognized gay marriage in green and civil unions (or their equivalent) in red:
.....on Unrestricted warfare . The US Air force Institute for National Security Studies have developed a reasonable systems approach to deter non-state violent actors who they label as NSVA's. It is an exceptionally important report if we want to deter violent extremism and other potential violent actors that could threaten this nation and its security. It is THE report our political officials should be listening to to shape policy so that we do not become excessive in using force against those who do not agree with policy and dispute it with reason and normal non-violent civil disobedience. This report, should be carefully read by everyone really concerned with protecting civil liberties while deterring violent terrorism and I recommend if you are a professional you send your recommendations via e-mail at the link above so that either 1.) additional safeguards to civil liberties are included, or 2.) additional viable strategies can be used. Finally, one can only hope that politici...
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Let's take it a step further; in most European Countries in order to marry ones "contract" is solely the purview of the state--a wedding in a church is merely a choice and individual makes. The clergy are not authorized to wed a couple for the State.
Our nation, which claims to have separation of church and state has given the clergy a role in officiating in the execution of a legal contract between a couple. If we want true separation of church and state; we would adopt something similar to the European system. At that point any objections to gay marriage by religious groups while mildly distressing would not be germane.
Hank