Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage

According to Merriam-Webster, marriage is defined as, the state of being united to a person of the opposite or same sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship by law. In the United States , only very few states accept same-sex marriage, but still, homosexual couples are not as rare as people may think. As the years go on, homosexuality is becoming more of a norm in our society, and it is being spoken of more in recent years than in the past. Still, there are many people who strongly argue against gay marriage and feel that it is morally wrong. However, our constitution states that “All men are created equal.” If all of mankind were treated equal, there would be no law against gay marriage. The United States is known for its freedoms; therefore people should have the right to decide who they want to marry, whether it is to someone of the same or opposite sex.

Many people feel as though if homosexuals were allowed to marry, it would destroy the true meaning and value of marriage. They also feel as though it would harm children if they were raised in the home of a homosexual couple. Many other countries have allowed same-sex marriage for years, and there hasn’t been any proof of children being harmed, in any way, because they were raised by same-sex parents. For many years, homosexual couples have been allowed to raise children.

Homosexual couples may have children either by artificial insemination, surrogate mothers, or adoption. Children would have a better life if they were raised in a homosexual home as opposed to a home where, one or more parents are an alcoholic or drug addict. Just because a child is raised in a heterosexual environment, does not mean that it is necessarily a better environment. If convicts such as sex offenders, drug addicts, felons, murderers, and kidnappers are allowed to have children, there is no reason why same-sex couples should not be allowed to have children. Children would have much more stability in a home where two people are educated or not convicts, than a home of one or more convicts. Just because two people are attracted to the opposite sex, does not mean they are fit to be good parents. If anything, allowing gay marriage to be legalized would increase the family stability in a same-sex home. If same-sex couples were allowed to be legally married, they would have more rights and would be eligible for more economical benefits. If two people are able to educate, love, feed and put a roof over their child’s head, they should be able to raise a child. By being able to marry, homosexual couples will be eligible to share medical benefits and also make medical decisions for the entire family, just the same as the heterosexual couples. There was a case regarding this issue recently, it was called Kerrigan & Mock v. Connecticut Department of Public Health. The case was that seven gay and lesbian couples from across Connecticut who were recently denied marriage licenses in Madison filed suit today in New Haven Superior Court challenging the State's discriminatory denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples. The plaintiff couples, who have been in committed relationships for between 10 and 28 years, many of them raising children, contend that only marriage will provide them with the protections and benefits they need to live securely as a family (GLAD). Teresa C. Younger, Executive Director of the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union, made a good point that probably could not be said better in any other way, “This case is about American citizens who pay taxes, vote, walk their dogs, wash their cars, own homes, and raise children. Our plaintiffs, American gay men and lesbians, are entitled to the same protections and rights as other Americans. The American dream is embedded in equality and fairness, and marrying the one you love is part of the American dream. No one should be denied that right.” Each of the couples in this case is responsible for each other, their children and the larger community. They share a lot in common with other heterosexual families in Connecticut and hold careers such as schoolteachers and parents and therapists. One mother coaches soccer. Others volunteer in their communities or children’s schools. Like all married couples, they have made a commitment to each other for life. Yet, because they are denied marriage rights, none of them can fully protect themselves, their relationship, or their children (GLAD).

In the United States , we, the people, promote equality and are against discrimination, and by allowing gay marriage we are promoting this. “Many people discriminate against gay marriage because they are scared of it.” “People do not understand homosexuals which is why they do not approve of it” (Matthews). Homosexuals pay taxes, serve