Early Saxon marriages were purely civil contracts. It was only as Christianity gradually gained ground, that couples began wanting a priest to be blessed their union, that the church became involved. By the time the Normans had invaded, marriage had become a religious ceremony the church had jurisdiction over. If the church hadn't become involved, then I guess, this wouldn't be such an issue now.

Personally, I have no problem with gays or gay marriages. I take Jane Austin's view: "I consider everybody as having the right to marry once in their lives for love." *smiling and sighing*