It is a subject that has been hotly debated by politicians, religious leaders and families across the country.
Now the Episcopal church in Texas is grappling with the issue. The Episcopal church authorized the blessing of same-sex unions during its general convention.
However, it stopped short of performing marriage ceremonies for gay couples.
Lynn Delage grew up in a Baptist church, but now she practices a different faith.
Delage says she does not understand people's objection to gay marriage.
"I lived with my older brother and he was member of the Unitarian Universalist church since 1985. He was gay," said Delage.
Delage is a member of the Spindletop Unitarian church in Beaumont.
She says it's a liberal church that welcomes any and all people.
"Every person has the same rights and to deny two people the right to marriage because they're the same sex is to deny their humanity and their freedom," said Delage.
Last week the Episcopal church ruled same sex relationships can receive a blessing from the church.
"Notice it says blessing, it does not say marriage, and it's very clear, at least in this diocese, this is not a marriage," said Dean Calcote of St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
"It's going to be, in this diocese, very restrictive. Any case has to have the Bishop's consent. He is at this time only allowing one church in Austin and one church in Houston to do this," said Calcote.
Calcote admits there is division among congregations within the Episcopal church.
"There is, of course, a highly-controversial issue. There are those who favor it and those who, probably the majority, who do not," said Calcote.
Calcote said division in the church is nothing new and what counts is how the believers handle the difference.
"Being able to, in a Christian manner, sit down and discuss the fact that this is an issue like a number of issues you might have that we don't agree on," said Calcote.
Calcote says the measure allows Episcopal churches only to bless same sex relationships and not to marry gay couples. Same sex marriage remains illegal in Texas.
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