What Causes So Many People to Be Uspset by the Idea of Gay Marriages

What causes so many people to be upset by the idea of gay marriages?

Many people believe that gay marriage should not be allowed or legalized and in turn has led to this being a very controversial issue. This issue has become very controversial for a variety of religious, moral, and even political reasons. Many politicians and those deeply involved in politics express their side of the argument by saying that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman (Goodman 31). While it is understandable why religious groups oppose gay marriage, their arguments are not solid. These groups would tell you that a union between same-sex couples goes against everything religion stands for and is not moral. Also, traditions are sometimes used as an argument by presenting the idea that marriage has always been a heterosexual institution. Now let’s take a deeper look at these issues in order to acquire a better understanding.

Politicians and lawmakers alike are quick to respond to the issue of gay marriage. They say that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman (Stoddard 36). Who gets to define marriage? The politicians whom are already married? Others whom have the right to get married? These people are most likely married and heterosexual. Of course they would define marriage this way. If these people cannot present reasons, except the definition they introduce, why same-sex couples should not be able to marry, then maybe they should. These views are more of a prejudice argument than any kind of real one.

Most religious groups are also against the idea of gay marriage. If asked about the issue, they might respond that same-sex marriage offends just about everything religion itself stands for. The issue probably does go against a lot of the teaching in some religions. The religion of the people whom oppose the issue already is the one. They would like to believe that we should conform to their beliefs and values. Why should we? Many of the Christians and most branches of Islam and Judaism are against gay marriage (Goodman 31). But others do not agree so quickly, and in some cases may actually favor it. One such circumstance arose in Hawaii when the Mormon Church there proclaimed to represent all of the religions on the island (Nava 145). This type of statement upset a Buddhist sect that worshiped there. They refuted by saying that the Mormon Church did not represent them in any way. They continued that actually gay couples had their support even in marriage. One of the main principles in our society is freedom of religion. Doesn’t this mean freedom from religion as well?

Traditions are also often used when arguing against gay marriage. Some say that traditionally marriage has always been a heterosexual institution. This argument, morally, is the weakest