Gay Marriage
By: Anna • Essay • 1,286 Words • January 16, 2010 • 756 Views
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They are no longer a small population, but a booming revolution. These groups do not hide themselves in burrows, but flamboyantly celebrate their identities. The gays are now a people willing and ready to be heard. It has come to all of our attentions that in the light of marriage they have been depraved and deceived. Homosexuals cannot allow this persecution to continue, as they are constantly forfeited equal rights. The arguments are of lifestyle differences and the legalized discrimination of these people. It encompasses same-sex marriage as a cause worth fighting and defending so that we all may be, “one Nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
Homosexuality is an accepted lifestyle nowadays. Almost everyone is in favor of equal rights for homosexuals. This includes equal rights to housing, government benefits, jobs, public accommodations, etc. Although many are in favor of equal rights granted to homosexuals, why do they not approve gay marriage?
Allowing homosexuals to participate in marriage will not degrade the institution of marriage. Who has the power to declare that marriage should only be between a man and a woman? No matter what, it all comes down to the fact that marriage is about love, sharing, and commitment. The separation of church and state should contribute to the outcome of this issue, being in favor of the gay community.
Denying gay marriage is a violation of religious freedom. The First Amendment of the Constitution sets out five basic liberties, including freedom of religion. Freedom of religion should also imply freedom from religion because “one does not truly have freedom of religion if one does not have the right to freedom from religion as well.” Freedom of religion is both a “protection of religious thought and practice, and a command of separation of church and state.” Therefore, religious beliefs cannot be integrated with the constitution. People say that gay marriage is immoral, but no one has the right to declare that it is immoral only because it is said in the Bible. The Bible has no say in the Constitution. If gay marriages were illegal, the constitution itself would be violating the very First Amendment of religious freedom because not all religions oppose homosexuality and gay marriage. For example, Buddhism does not oppose gay marriages. It rather, celebrates gay relationships freely and is in favor of legalizing gay marriages. If religion can allow same-sex marriage, why is it so hard for the government to do the same?
Going against the acceptance of same-sex marriage is a form of minority discrimination. Opponents state that marriage is a natural right, based on the need to procreate. These laws are made as if these couples are not “natural” or “normal”, to the point where it is suggested to use the concept of “civil unions”, rather than “marriages”. Is it absolutely wrong to grant them the validation of their marriage? For example, some argue that same-sex couples should not be allowed to raise children. It is not a matter of if the parents are of the same-sex or not, but it shows children what role marriage plays in society, and how it is important to be dedicated to one person, or partner. The growing acceptance of gay parenthood demonstrates that children raised in this type of environment can be fostered and cared for.
This example of loyalty to one’s partner also welcomes another benefit to the acceptance of same-sex marriages. It encourages people to abandon high-risk sexual lifestyles, where diseases have a possibility to spread. Although promiscuity exists with heterosexuals, as well as homosexuals, the consent of these marriages still contributes to the hope of decreasing this type of lifestyle. These marriages can help motivate people to settle down with one partner and raise families, which, as stated before, set an example for the youth. These couples are capable of holding long term relationships, just as any heterosexual couple can.
The truth is for many gay couples “civil unions” are no longer sufficient as circumvents numerous benefits afforded to man and woman unions. The distinctions between these two forms of partnerships are unlawful to the loving and legitimate gay relationships. They as a group are cheated out of such as filing joint taxes and joint ownership of property. These allowances in reality, help foster and maintain steady relationships. Homosexual partnerships are even at times denied to make decisive medical decisions. He, or she, in their partner’s time of need, may not be permitted to visit on account that they are neither a spouse nor close family member, access to a spouse’s medical records, disability insurance, or benefits under a pension plan. They are outwardly