Inspired by the... something about gays... can't remember... thread.
There should be no civil marriage. Then, we wouldn't have to worry about gay marriage, civil unions, or such nonsense. Churches could choose to marry whom they please. Individuals could choose to marry whom they please. Fundamentalists wouldn't have to worry about the sanctity of marriage being tarnished, because no marriages between gays would be sanctified by the state nor the fundamentalist's own Pentacostal, holy-rolling, queer-hating church.
Divorces would be incredibly simplified and cost much less for those who can least afford them. Custody of children would be decided by the courts, just as they are today. Division of assets would be decided in legal settlements or by pre-arranged agreements, just as they are today. Two or more people could still have joint bank accounts, joint ownership of property. I know some will say, "But divorce will sky-rocket! The children will suffer!" Divorce is resoundingly common (and socially accepted) today. People won't suddenly run out into the streets and writhe in the ecstasy of divorce just because marriage is no longer a legal convention. Marriage, and life-long commitment, is about much more than a piece of paper. Furthermore, with the abolishment of civil marriage, which would make divorce less expensive for the poorest, people would perhaps be less likely to remain in non-functioning, abusive, and hateful marriages for financial reasons.
The state would no longer give tax breaks and benefits to two people just because they've had their love approved by a preacher or justice of the peace. The single, divorced, and cohabitating would no longer be financially penalized.
