Even in early Euro-American history, marriage was regarded as a state function. Churches, even official ones, married couples, but only under the laws of whatever colony it was. Other officials were also allowed to marry people.
No one could just go around marrying people without recognition by law, and that is true to this day.
I know of at least one case where a very minor official tried doing it. It was beyond his office and he was immediately up on charges. The marriage was also considered null and void.
Nontraditional forms of other-sex marriage also had to gain approval over time.
At least in this country, marriage has always been a function of the state to define by its own rules. Anyone pretending otherwise is lying to you.
I hope the vote fails. I don't want to take any rights away from the heterosexuals. They are the ones keeping our planet populated.
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