There are (at least) 3 different situations being described here.

1)A classic church marriage, with 'marriage license' procured from a civil office, but ceremony performed by clergy.

2)A marriage with the same license, but ceremony done by a judge or other certified 'civil' official. No difference at all in the eyes of the laws & courts...all rights of inheritance and power of attorney in case of illness and freedom from having to testify against 'spouse'...etc....as well as all obligations of a 'spouse' about debts and property.

3) Various 'civil unions' recognizing shared property rights and 'sometimes' allowing power of attorney...etc...but NOT full 'spousal' rights needed for adoption of children, inheritance of property...etc....in other words, not full marriage rights as in #2.

because #3 has a number of variations, depending on the state, it is hard to say how many 3a, 3b, 3c...etc. there are.

Obviously, most same-sex couples, many of whom are totally monogamous and dedicated to each other, wish to have the same **rights** as in #2, and many wish to have it like #1, as they are church members.

There are those who wish to limit these rights because they assume that same sex couples should not be 'recognized by the church' or be free to raise children, or...or...or...celebrate Mother's Day...or whatever. The reasons they give for denying these rights almost always boil down to "I don't like it."

(and as far as raising children--I see many, many hetero couples who should not be allowed to raise kids!)

I personally know of two women who are raising a boy who was conceived thru artifical insemination and carried by one of his 'moms'...They are kind, intelligent, professional women and the boy is a happy, bright 3 year old. These are happy, productive people!....and you would not be welcome to butt in & tell them they in violation of God's Laws or doing anything evil or 'un-natural'.