Can the gov't stay out of marriage?

[GopBlackList]

Is it feasible for government get out of the marriage business as Ron Paul believes?

[Paulatized]

I too would like to know how this would work.

[dean.engelhardt]

Legally marriage is a contract. The government does not usually get involved in the formation of contracts. The government issued marriage licence can be replaced by the marriage certificate issued by the person ordained to marry people. Marriage licences serve no purpose but to employ clerks.

[GopBlackList]

Legally marriage is a contract. The government does not usually get involved in the formation of contracts. The government issued marriage licence can be replaced by the marriage certificate issued by the person ordained to marry people. Marriage licences serve no purpose but to employ clerks.

What about things like benefits? Also if a certificate is to be ordained by a person instead of the gov't, would he/she need some certification or approval that they can issue certificates?