Gay Marriage and Religion

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 be viewed as a governmental intrusion into religion; that the word “marriage” should be replaced with “domestic partnership” and thus bypasses the controversy over the issue of gender. From this would evolve a contract between any two individuals who have attained their majority.

In contrast, there are some religions that are against the prevailing idea. In Islam, family life is one of the most important and emphasized areas in the Islamic system of life, and is an aspect that remains very strong among the mast majority of the Muslim Faith today. Marriage in Islam is defined as: “In Islam…. not a sacrament but rather a legal, binding contract between a man and a woman which establishes the licitness, permanence and responsibleness of their relationship”. A modern scholar by the name of Muhammad Abu Zahrah said, “A contract that results in the man and woman living with each other and supporting each other and supporting each other within the limits of what has been laid down for them in terms of rights and obligations.” The two quotes describe the emphasis on family life and tradition of marriage. From my perspective, marriage in Islamic faith is a mutual contract between a man and a woman whose goal is for each to enjoy the other, become a moral family and a sound society.

In addition, underneath the Islamic religion, the covenant of marriage is very serious to the Muslims: “The occasion of marriage is one of great celebration and festivity throughout the Muslim world. It provides one of the great outlets for social intercourse and enjoyment.” In Islam, Ph. D. Farah expresses from