On this Valentine's Day, let us all remember that there are loving couples out there, both gay and straight, that deserve the same respect and benefits conferred by the state.  Civil marriage is not the same as religious marriage.  Religions, which are protected by the Constitution, can choose who they will marry.

Civil marriage is by the state, licensed by the state, for the people of the state.  The state should not dictate who or what sex you love and with whom you wish to make a committed relationship.  Equality belongs to everyone, and should be afforded to everyone.  Let love be love.  After all, isn't there already enough hate in the world?