An increasing conflict

I have noticed that in the passing election there is a strong tension with that of the "religious right" and the polarizing issue of gay marriage. It is not really a surprise to any that the general position of the church ( referring to the body of believers) is against the establishment of gay marriage. They view the issue as both a sick and rather demoralizing attack on the institution of marriage as well as an a crossing between church and state. In conventional thought it is usually the church taking over unfairly the state and imposing religious values on those in the secular realm. A lot of the fear comes from other states that have infringed upon the church (others states as in other governing bodies of different countries). Examples include France which has established that no students can wear clothing having any religious meaning or emblems. Possibly even closer to home is Canada which has implemented laws in several areas making it illegal to preach against homosexuality.
To address the issue fro the other side the gay community as well as sympathizers are equally fired up. It is not so much a think of fear so much as rage to the injustice committed against them by the church an ever prevailing entity that has in some ways unfairly presided against homosexuals. Not only does it teach there way of living is wrong but instead of addressing the issue with love and understanding, has struck out with hateful tongues and a cold shoulder. Marriage holds a civil aspect too it also allowing certain benefits to those that are engaged in a marriage. Homosexuals unable to marry feel they are biased against economically as well as extreme emotional hardship in the case of legal problems like visiting their lovers if they are in the hospital. It is often viewed as an oppression no different than denying various minorities like blacks from their rights.
Now I feel it is my responsibly as a peacemaker, as all Christians are called to be by scripture to find some resolve in the issue instead of leaving to bitter hating groups both feel pressure from the other. I think that the issue of gay marriage needs to meet a middle ground so as to alleviate the things that divide this country as well as preservation of the church in reflecting Christ's love. This middle ground that I seek is that of civil unions something many Americans do not really know about, or have direct feelings about. Civil unions appeal to both sides of the polarities on this issue because they extend the injustice of rights for homosexuals while not slamming on the conventional marriage. I realize there is some opposition from gays that feel it is putting them in a place of lower position as if a marriage is better than a civil union. Which from a christian aspect yes but based purely on rights it is not. To solidify the equality I believe that all people who wish to engage in the civil aspect of the joining of two entities should get civil unions, gay or straight. It is a legal and completely worldly joining of two people that entangles them to certain subjection's as they commit to stay together for well now a days not that long. There is also a fear on the Christian side that allowing civil unions will only give them ground to push for gay marriage. However I think that the convincing that the tension will be relieved if all people are required to receive civil unions furthering the separation of church and state. The church will handle marriages ( a religious ceremony joining a man and a woman before God) and the civil union the joining of two legal entities by the government.
This is simply the basics of how I feel on the topic and much more needs to be put on it both with swaying a gay marriage being allowed then reversed in so many states I believe it will be a hot button issue for a good deal of time to come. Also it is an urge as a christian to church international as to what there actions should entail.
Thank you,
Nathan Gula