I propose that the government should get out of the business of marrying people and, instead, only give legal status to civil unions.

In this quote, Tony Campolo, a well-known sociologist and Christian pastor, suggests a separation between government and the institution of marriage. He proposes that the government should stop performing marriage ceremonies and, instead, focus on granting legal status only to civil unions. According to Campolo, this would allow the state to provide the legal benefits associated with partnerships without becoming involved in the religious or traditional aspects of marriage, which some believe should be handled separately.

The origin of this statement likely stems from ongoing debates about the role of government in regulating relationships, particularly in the context of same-sex marriage. By advocating for civil unions, Campolo is proposing a system where the state recognizes the legal rights of couples, such as inheritance, taxation, and healthcare benefits, without getting entangled in the moral or religious dimensions of marriage. His view suggests that the government’s role should be strictly limited to providing legal recognition of partnerships, while allowing individuals and religious institutions to define marriage according to their beliefs.

Campolo's perspective also highlights the tension between secular and religious interpretations of marriage. By advocating for civil unions, he proposes a way to address the growing demand for legal recognition of same-sex couples without infringing on the religious freedom of those who believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. In this sense, his proposal seeks to create a clear distinction between legal and religious marriage, aiming to respect both legal rights and religious convictions.

Ultimately, Campolo’s quote advocates for a more neutral approach by the government to relationship recognition. His proposal emphasizes the idea that the state’s role should be limited to ensuring legal rights through civil unions, leaving the institution of marriage to be defined by personal, cultural, or religious beliefs.