Same-Sex Marriage

Same-Sex Marriage

The debate of same-sex marriages being legalized is a discussion among society that is going to continue for many years to come. In reading both sides of opinion, studying statistics, and reading the assigned essay's in composition class, I can say that I support the constitution of marriage for people of the same gender. In the essay by Andrew Sullivan that supports gay marriage he states " Heterosexuals are able to marry which in turn provides them with an emotional anchor". That emotional support is important to the human species regardless if they are gay or straight, and it's human nature to have some type of companion. Most people do not like to be alone in life.

Marriage to me is more than a legal status. It affects many things in society such as tax filing status, joint ownership of property and insurance benefits. It affects critical medical decisions. For example, if one member of a gay couple that has been together for 20 years gets critically ill, visitation may not even be allowed since the other isn't considered a "spouse or immediate family member". It is completely unfair to deny these privileges to people because their relationship doesn't fit the state's definition of a "marriage" because they are of the same sex. I feel that if two people truly love each other and want to commit themselves to one another that they should be able to feel that security of emotional stability in the same aspect as two straight people being married.

In the essay written by William J. Bennett he states that " the legal union of gays would represent a profound change in the meaning of marriage". He also says " same-sex marriage can negatively affect society". I don't believe that this is true because you still have two people devoting themselves to one another. I think that people get confused between law and religion. A marriage is a relationship between two people. How does it hurt society or people not involved in the marriage? It is a personal commitment that really is no one else's but the two people involved. Society shouldn't be dictating what two people can or can't do when no one else is hurt in the process. If the church or certain groups disapprove, that's their right, but it isn't their right to stop it.

One of the other very discussed subject's are STD'S being spread in the gay community and maintaining family values or self-respect. The problems related to sexuality in our society such as STD's stem from carefree, frivolous lifestyles; in other words, having frequent, unprotected sex with many partners. Marriage encourages people to settle down and to give up that type of lifestyle. Married people commit themselves to one partner and work to build a life together. Isn't that the type of behavior that needs to be encourage