Gay Marriage Should Be Legal Essay

In recent years, the debate over same-sex marriage has grown into a nationwide controversy, reverberating into the halls of congress, at the white house, in dozens of state and legislature and courtrooms, and in the rhetoric of election campaigns at both the national and state levels. As the debate rages on, the American religious community remains deeply divided over the issue, and over the morality of homosexuality. The debate has grown from an issue that occasionally arose in a few states to a national and even worldwide controversy.

On June 26, 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that the US Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry. Many conservative groups do NOT agree with this decision. The gay marriage debate has been simmering for as long as I can remember. The four articles I have selected give information from four different perspectives including that of liberals, conservatives, homosexuals, and orthodox Jews. With so many differing opinions, one can understand why it's been so hard for the nation to come to agree on this issue.

Traditional wedding vows state, “I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part”(Callaway). Marriage is defined as two people bond together legally under the protection of laws. Couples are able to express and establish their life long relationships officially, publicly, and permanently. Due to the fact that homosexual relationships are increasingly more accepted by the public, gay marriage has become one of the most controversial topics throughout the US. The fundamental human right of marriage should not be limited to a man and a woman;

America today is gripped in the controversial debate regarding gay rights; specifically, the right for two people who are of the same sex such as a man and man or woman and woman to be joined in the legal bond of marriage. The points of contention are largely separated into 4 main categories. The sanctity of the institution known as 'Marriage', the benefits gained from being married, family structure, and the growing impact of our society on a religious institution.

Just about everyone has an opinion on legally allowing same-sex couples to marry. The arguments range from personal beliefs to what marriage is said to be in the Bible. Why should a couple be forbidden from showing each other along with family and friends that they are fully committed to each other? What place is it for the government to say that said couple is not allowed to commit to the one who truly makes you happy? Why should these people who are willing to be together for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer not get the respect, consideration, and benefits that any opposite sex couple are granted?

Different types of sexualities and relationships are constantly being acknowledged and accepted all around the world. However, heterosexuality still remains as the dominant discourse because the society continues to promote it in the media, in literature and in many other things, such as legal documents and weddings. Weddings and marriages are usually promoted as a wonderful celebration that legally unite two people, but Bernstein’s, Hunter’s and Ingraham’s articles argue that the institution of marriage exists mainly to reinforce heterosexuality. Their articles, along with other scholarly texts demonstrate how marriages center around the state’s interests, social and cultural beliefs of what relationships are considered most acceptable and beneficial and gender roles.

This article discussed two opposing positions on whether or not same sex marriage should be legal. Theodore Olson argues for legal marriages while Lyle Denniston argues against. Theodore Olson viewpoint uses the US Constitution and the belief that all people are created equal as the support for his argument. He believes that same sex marriage is the natural evolution in equal rights and calls it “the last major civil-rights milestone yet to be surpassed in our two-century struggle” (McKee & Taverner, 2013, p. 118). Additionally he attempts to refute the justification behind California’s anti-gay marriage position. Specifically, he discredits the explanation of the tradition of husband and wife and the state’s interest in preserving procreation. As far as tradition he believes that traditions does not allow for progression or change and for procreation he argues that allowing same sex marriage would not reduce the number of heterosexual marriages and therefore would have not reduce the number of children. This sentiment was echoed by Justice

The political aspects of whether same-sex couples should be allowed to federal and government recognized marriages are a very complex issue. There are basically two sides to the political argument of whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. On one side are the liberals who feel that marriage is a civil right that should be denied based on the basis of a person's sexual orientation. On the other side you have conservatives who feel that marriage is an institution in which should only constitute one man and one woman. In this report we are going to examine how the issue of same-sex marriages are affecting our current political environment, how politics is affecting the movement for

History teaches us that marriage has classically been between a man and a woman, but in the recent years, people have begun to challenge that notion. Gay marriage has been one of the most controversial topics of debate lately, dividing our nation into those who support the idea and those who oppose. It seems as though no matter who is asked, each person’s opinion falls to one side or the other. States have been similarly divided in their treatment of the gay marriage issue. Voters in some states have chosen to allow gay marriage, while other states have passed constitutional amendments to forbid it. Courts in some states have identified a Constitutional right to marry, and other states remain in a state of flux.

In every time period throughout history and every region of the world there has always been a stigma as to what it means to be a gay man – even if that is not the language that always would be used to describe homosexual behavior in a given place and time. In the United States, gay marriage has been legalized in all 50 states by a federal court ruling, but many Americans do not realize that there is still a long way to go in terms of embracing gay citizens (and the rest of the LGBT community) into the “ societal norm.” Despite the strides that have been taken to legalize marriage for same sex couples, there are many states where discrimination is still legal. LGBT people can be denied housing, work, and even service and are also not legally protected from discrimination in the education system in many states today.

     Same-sex marriages have been very controversial since becoming an issue in Canada regarding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Several people state that same-sex marriages should be legal, while others disagree, saying it should not be permitted. There have been many debates and inquiries about this issue for several years; the MP’s and Parliament will finally settle the problem within the next year or so. Many are in favour of legalizing same-sex marriages in all of Canada due to the violations and infringes upon the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Problems revolving around same-sex marriages have upset many religious groups. These groups believe that same-sex

America is said to be the land of the free, which means that every legal citizen is given freedom of speech, and the right of privacy. Among these rights, we are given freedom of religion. If someone is Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or even Buddhist, that someone is welcome to practice their own religion however they see fit, and you are welcome in America because this is the land of the free. Or is it? When the topic of Gay Marriage arises in conversation, the main "Anti-Gay" point would be that the Bible does not agree with it. [Jones, Michael] Last time I checked, and according to the first amendment, the Bible has no standing power in American law. ["Why Would We?"] Therefore, the people of the United States should vote "Yes"

Same-sex relationships date back to Greek and Roman times. They have existed in society for hundreds of years. It was during a culture shift during the Christian revolution that society began to condemn the practice. Our current society is realizing same-sex relationships do exist and have done so regardless of law allowing them to outwardly celebrate their unions. Gay couples have remained secluded in society and covered their living arrangements under feeble explanations and lies. Hiding true feelings and living a lie is destructive to a person’s well-being and happiness. Recently the United States took steps to legalize and recognize unions of all types whether they are of opposite-sex or same-sex. Our country stands for equality and freedom so this is only right that our country take this step along with many others around the globe.

One of the most controversial issues around today is gay marriages. Many believe that the media is primly responsible for the idea of same-sex marriages, but when it all comes down to it there are really only two sides; those who support gay marriages, and those who oppose them. Two authors write their opinions on their opposite views on this issue. Sullivan (2002) supports same-sex marriages and believes marriage to be a universal right, not just restricted to heterosexuals. Contrary to Sullivan, Bennett (2002) believes that marriage is a sacred traditional family value that should be set aside for heterosexual couples. (2002)Throughout this essay, I will summarize both authors’ ideas and evaluate them through their evidence and

Allowing same-sex marriages would change the basic definition of marriage. Marriage is an important commitment of a man and a woman who contribute to civilization. Therefore, the loss of contributions due to someone’s sexual orientation should not be rewarded with a privilege such as marriage. Same-sex marriages affect many factors such as children, the concept of marriage, and humanity. However, it is not a misdemeanor to love somebody of the same gender but it can rigorously damage many aspects of life.