Same-sex marriage is a threat to humanity - The pope

Civil partnerships are not equal to Marriage. So no, they don't have the same rights yet.

I never said equal, I said they carry equal rights, i.e. to be entitled to the same property rights and other rights as a married couple. So in the eyes of the state they are essentially married.

The proposal to allow same-sex marriage only really has implications in respect to the minutiae of the service. So for example they can't use religious symbols. All the hassle is over the use of religious symbols, when - as far as I know - homosexual marriage isn't sanctioned by major religions, so using such a symbol amounts to sacrilege.

Well no, they're not equal in rights and yes you're right all the hassle is around religion. Many religious sects welcome and encourage gay marriage, yet, the law states that gay couples cannot marry in this religious environment. I'm not saying religious institutions should be forced to host gay marriages, but gay couples should have the option to marry (rather than a civil partnership) in a religious environment where they are welcomed and wanted. Gay couples SHOULD have the right to marry alongside religious symbols. The Bible isn't a catholic holy book, it's the holy book for ALL Christians and many sects of Christianity are pro-gay marriage. There is no argument for not allowing such unions to take place.

Ok, where are they different apart from where I've stated? Just that bit in bold...what? Other than C of E, which other denominations are pro gay-marriage?