The author pleads for an equal and differentiated treatment of marriage (between woman and man) and same-sex-unions (between gay people) in civillaw. In theological perspective it is necessary to regard same-sex-unions as well as marriages under the aspects oflife-long commitment and responsibility- both may be and should be >>Iove in earnest>Liebe im Ernstfall>your body isatemple ofthe Holy Spirit>registered partnership<< for gay people and following options in liturgy and law of the churc