This is a far smarter take on the marriage thing.

I still wonder if, in the long run, it isn't better to demand and secure real equal rights (in the legal sense) first. If that be under the name "civil unions", so be it. The state can call it civil unions, and you can call it marriage. Or you can call it a merger. I'm prepared to refer to your relationship in whatever way you prefer, in fact.

Birgit and I have the relationship that dare not be given a name. The Mexican government has weighed in with "union libre". I call her my girlfriend. She calls me her cook. Our toaster is a homewrecker.