OK..., I found a link that "somewhat" supports your argument. Here..., use this.

http://taxes.about.com/od/State-Income-Taxes/a/Taxes-for-California-Domestic-Partners.htm

Courtesy of your uncle joe ;)

It just occurred to me that you may not know what my position is on gay marriage.

My position on gay marriage is that as long as the gay community continues the fight to modify the definition of the word "marriage," they are going to have an uphill battle because they are going to be fighting 2 groups, the religious right AND the government. That's 2 fronts. The gay community would fare better if they only had to deal with one front. Hitler tried to fight multiple fronts. Look where that got him ;)

Now..., the question is, which front should they focus on? Which front is [weaker]/[more reasonable]? I'll give you a hint..., it's NOT the religious right ;)

Another good military strategy is to get one of your opponents to switch sides and join you in your fight against the other opponent. Now, the question is, which side is more likely to switch sides? I'll give you a hint..., it's not the government ;)

I know, I know..., it doesn't make sense..., but please hear me out.

If the gay community were to petition the government to stop using the word, "marriage" [because of its religious connotations and separation of church and state] then the religious right might join in because they would love to own the word, "marriage" outright. Then..., once that's done..., you petition the government to use the term, "Civil Union" for every domestic partnership, gay or hetero.

I know, I know..., brilliant, right? But that's what I do. Think outside the box ;)

When you think about it, my idea is crazy enough that it might work ;)

Even if the gay community decides not to implement my idea, it is a hell of a lot more entertaining, and original, than anything else either side has to offer ;)

Gays can call their union a marriage. Trust me, they won't go to jail. Name one gay couple who has ended up in jail for calling their union a marriage. Just one.

Well yes, and you can call your marriage a "Fonfon Ru" if you'd like, and probably not go to jail for that, either.

As far as the government defining the word "marriage" .... Think of it this way.

I'm not against the government defining something that the government regulates; I'm against Christians using their religion as an excuse for bigotry and unequal treatment.

In any case, your example with gas stations would work better like this: Chevron has a massive chip on it's shoulder and thinks all other gas stations should not be allowed to sell gallons of gas because they sell gallons of gas.

So..., if you don't want the government to regulate your marriage, then all you have to do is NOT register for a marriage license and tell people you are married. Trust me, you won't go to jail.

So all you have to do is not get legally married? This sounds like it defeats the point.