There are, at first glance, two sides to the issue of homosexual vs. heterosexual marriage. The first, is that people should only be allowed to marry people of the opposite sex. The second is that people should be allowed to marry whoever they want, in the singular sense (The topic of this post is not Polygamy, that's another day).
The major point of contention, for the sake of this argument is the word "Marriage" Conservatives believe that "Marriage" should be limited to one man and one woman (they have varying views on civil unions). Liberals think "Marriage" should be opened to everyone.
In my opinion, the answer is simple. Don't marry anyone, at least by the state.
If the conservatives are so concerned about the "sanctity" of marriage, then why do they let the State perform weddings?
If the liberals are so concerned about "equal rights" then why let themselves get hung up on a single word. Instead, remove the word from the rights afforded to people.
Have the state perform only civil unions, which would give people the rights accorded to married couples, the right to joint filing on taxes, next of kin/medical rights, divorce (another topic for another day), equal consideration for children, homes, etc.
If someone wants to get married, then that's great! Have a Church/Synagogue/Mosque/Temple/Other Place of Worship perform it. Naturally, given the establishment and free exercise clauses of Amendment 1, the State can't force religious organizations to perform the ceremony.
Some people in France and the UK have similar ideas.
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