Separate, but equal, status is unacceptable. However, removing the word, "marriage", from the law, entirely and replacing the term with "spousal union" or something similar may satisfy everyone. In that way, the legal definition of "marriage" or "spousal union" may be considered separately from the social or religious definitions, which are so culturally ingrained.

Advocating a neutral term, such as "spousal union", for all couples, heterosexual and homosexual, may more easily bring about consensus among Americans on this issue.