It comes down to this: The federal government should not allow its official picture of the nation to be drawn inaccurately because of religious disagreements about the morality of homosexuality.

Yes, this is exactly the heart of the matter.  You have nailed the issue in this post.  From ignoring legal marriages to spinning, editing, and outright lying about science on climate science to stem cell research, to promoting prosyletization through government funded programs, our elected officials, most notably the current administration and its cohorts but not excluding the current members of Congress, are not only violating the establishment clause of the first amendment, but are attempting to legislate reality.  It is very Orwellian in nature, and theocratic in its leanings.  I, quite frankly, do not care for this artificial reality they are trying to establish.

Well thought out and well written, Elizabeth.  There is no justifiable reason why same-sex marriages should not be counted in the states wherein they are legal and recognized.

Kisses,

JanieBelle

Dream a little dream of me.