I think a lot of people don't object to a gay civil union with all the strength of a heterosexual marriage, it is the use of the word 'Marriage' that upsets people, find an appropriate word or phrase, claim it, as with the word 'Gay' and much of the opposition would disappear. In the Catholic church I think I am correct in saying that marriage is a sacrament, despite what the current Pope may say I don't see the Catholic church in Australia agreeing to gay 'marriage'.