Same Sex Marriage - Implication to Moral Values

The United States of America was founded as a secular sanctuary for ideals like freedom, equality, and tolerance – few will argue against that. Over its history American culture has radically evolved as it strived to meet the ideals its nation was based upon, making changes like ending slavery and providing legal equality for women and minorities, changes that at the time seemed absurd but today are unquestionable merits that define what an “American” is. The quest to reach the ultimate utopian society continues today as true Americans fight the evils of ignorance, stubborn bigotry and the fear to change that still manifest themselves in a large portion of U.S. citizens, preventing this nation from moving forward. One of the outstanding minorities still left to be granted the ideals of freedom, equality, and tolerance are homosexuals trying to obtain the right to marry the person they want to spend the rest of their life with, regardless of gender. Same-sex marriages should be recognized in the eyes of the U.S. government in accordance with its responsibility to provide all American citizens equal freedoms.

I strongly agree with the legalization of the gay marriages in many of the societies even though it is a subject that elicits mixed reactions and opposition from some quarters. The utilitarianism approach that seeks to establish whether the end justifies the means can be applied whereby the benefits of such legalization and the disadvantages are compared. When gay marriages are legalized, the beneficiaries will include the gays, adopted children and the society as a whole. Opponents such include religion, which argues that marriage is a sacred institution to be shared between a man and woman and that marriage, should serve a higher purpose of reproduction. However, the opponents would not suffer in effect since they only claim

Marriage has always been a sacred agreement between a man and woman. However, as times have changed, our ideas involving marriage are forced to change with the times. Our country has developed throughout the years to enforce the belief that all Americans should be granted equal rights no matter what their skin color or cultural background. Granting gays the right to marry would simply be giving all people equal rights in the issue of marriage.

Gay marriage has been an issue for a very long time and since some states are legalizing it, many worry that it would soon be added as an amendment. The topic of gay marriage brings up religious, legal, and many other issues. In "What's wrong with Gay Marriage?" by Katha Pollitt, the author supports gay marriage and wants it legalized. She states that there is no problem with gay marriage and it's all a matter of separating the church and state. But in “Gay ‘Marriage’: Societal Suicide,” by Charles Colson, the author opposes the idea of gay marriage and states that it will destroy society. Marriage is intended to unite a man and a woman together to bring children into the world, but due to the same-sex marriage,

There are roughly 313,900,000 people living in the United States and within those people roughly 9,000,000 people categorize as either lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (gates). This statistic was calculated throughout many surveys issued in 2010 throughout all states in the United States. These statistics were presented in an article written by Gary J. Gates in April of 2011. Now that it is currently almost the year 2014 the number of homosexuals have only risen in the past few years due to the legalization of same sex marriage throughout some states. Same sex marriage is becoming a well-known controversy in the United States due to complete opposite opinions. Society often examines the changes throughout the years in terms of consequences rather than in benefits. The legalization of same sex marriage is often portrayed as consequential to society however when examined more closely there would be more benefits to society if this controversy was viewed in terms of positive change. Benefits society could achieve from legalization of same sex marriage are providing new economic and business opportunities, and encouraging equal opportunity and a non-discriminatory society.

While some states have began to embrace the civil rights of all American people and allowing both hetero- and homo-sexual couples to marry, some states have done quite the opposite and banned same sex marriages and unions. Not all Americans feel so strongly about legalizing same sex marriage. Those against same sex marriage believe marriage has been defined as being between a man and a woman. However, that has not always been true, as explained in the beginning of this paper, the ancient people commonly wed the same gender and them and also had same sex sexual relations (ProCon.org). In fact in the first century Nero the Emperor of Rome married at least two of his lovers who were men (Chastain 19.) It was not until Christianity became a wide spread religion that sodomy and homosexuality became immoral. Those who oppose the legalization of gay marriage also believe that same sex marriage will threaten the institution of marriage. Marriages since 2011 have been at a new low, with only 52 percent of adults being married (Yen). However gays are fighting for the right to marry who they love, while heterosexual couples take that for granted. Divorce rates are currently lingering around 40-50% that is without gays being able to be married in many states. By allow homosexuals to marry their significant others, it will allow for a stronger bond and maybe bring back life into the deteriorating world of marriage. In states that do allow for same sex marriages, their divorce rates are

It thus prevents people from thinking that same-sex marriage makes homosexuals sinners. Marriage is a right that should be afforded to every individual whether they are gay or straight. Same-sex marriage thus helps solidify the appropriate social norm of sexual restraint and care-giving within the family. Legalizing same-sex marriages would be good for America as it would spur equality, promote family stability and validate LGBT family units as well as increase the number of children successfully adopted. Allowing gay marriage would be important in providing financial boon for both the private sector and state governments. Gay couples inject a considerable amount of money in the economy while spending on marriage

Furthermore, opponents warn that legalization of same-sex marriage and changes to the civil definition of marriage would cause an avalanche of changes in other areas. Laws regarding employment, education, healthcare, and housing would be altered to accommodate same-sex couples. Such sweeping changes are viewed by advocates of religious freedom as further risking religious liberties of organizations and individuals relating to a range of businesses and industries. In essence, the legalization of same-sex marriage is seen as compulsory sanctioning of a lifestyle that goes against the fundamental beliefs of certain groups and individuals and, moreover, requires them by force of law to act contrary to their religious tenets. This scenario is viewed as a direct assault on religious liberties.

Marriage within the United States has always been focused on one man and one woman being together for the remainder of their lives. To have marriage be centered on the union of a man and a man or a woman and a woman is preposterous. Marriage is needed to keep our society prosperous with the production of children who will one day take over the roles of their parents when they pass on. Marriage between couples of the same sex will not produce children, thereby defeating the purpose of marriage altogether. It is argued that same-sex couples could increase the number of adoptions of needy children in the United States, this much is true, but belonging to a household where the heads of the house are of the same-sex could cause problems for the child in the long run. Bullying and teasing in school will undoubtedly surround these children daily, it is not worth the emotional pain that will inevitably befall these children to give them a home in a same-sex household, no matter how loving these parents are.

Gay marriage has been a controversial topic that is highly debated all around the globe, containing many of its own varying viewpoints and beliefs on both sides of the argument. Those who oppose same-sex marriage believe that it is a sacred bond that can only be kept sacred between a man and a woman, and that same-sex marriage will ruin the sanctity of marriage. Also, if gay marriage is allowed they believe that it will open the door to other non-traditional relationships to be accepted such as polygamy. Finally other key oppositions come from religious beliefs and standards. However the many that support gay marriage usually argue that everyone should have equal right to be in relationships with each other and receive the financial, emotional, and social benefits of marriage. I mean who really would be affected if same-sex marriage were to become legal? Nobody. If everyone feels that there is that special someone whom they are perfect for and will fall in love with, gay people would feel the same way. They deserve equal opportunity to not only find that perfect somebody but to be able to love them and get married. Leading to parenthood, and while gay couples are not able to have children on their own, that doesn’t mean they can’t adopt children off the street. However, several times have happened where a gay couple were put at the end of a waiting list or even denied completely just because of their sexual orientation. Other benefits to marriage are also tax breaks and

Although the gay marriage topic has been pretty hot this year and during the Presidential debate, it has been around for a while, but people tended to ignore it. In contrast, today the topic has gained national attention. Not only has it been an interesting topic to look at in terms of same-sex weeding but also due to religious means. Some opponents object to same-sex marriage on religious grounds, arguing that extending marriage to homosexual couple's undercuts the conventional meaning of marriage in various traditions, and does not fulfill and procreation role. Writers have coined the term "marriage" to be restricted to a religious context and that state and federal government should not be involved in the religious practice. This could

However, according to the first amendment, religion should have no validity in making decisions for our nation (About the First). This is the concept of separation of church and state, according to Thomas Jefferson in his letter to Danbury Baptists in 1802 (Separation of Church). The government has always clung to this idea of protecting the individuals in the country’s right to religious freedom, considering the nation was founded on this belief (Martin). Because of this, churches and other religious establishments can turn away gay marriages if they would like to, but their opinion of the unions have no voice in government (Should Gay Marriage). Legal marriage is a bond between two people that should not be interfered by religious objections, or opinions of people who follow a certain

2.  The institution of marriage has traditionally been defined as being between a man and a woman. In

First, it can clearly be seen that same-sex marriage is primarily about equality. Everyone has equal rights and liberties to chase happiness, as long as it does not cause harm to the society, so why should their freedoms be limits? Why can’t someone be able to marry a person they truly love? Discrimination and banning homosexual couples to get married violates human rights and freedoms. Laws which against gay marriage deny the First Amendment which states that everyone has freedom of speech, expression and religion. Sexual determination is an option, so it is how some people can express themselves.

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.