Same-Sex Marriage

Same-Sex Marriage

I. Introduction

A. Thesis Statement

Marriage is defined as a formal union of a man and a woman, recognized by law, which they become husband and wife. (Merriam-Webster, 2012). In 2001 ten countries began allowing same-sex couples to marry. Homosexuality is the sexual and or emotional desire for others of the same gender as oneself. Several states have legally approved same-sex marriages or civil union yet statistics states that a 40% of Americans believe that same-sex marriages threaten the organization of marriage, healthy life, family, religion, and equal rights. I believe that homosexual marriages should be allowed because it is there right.

II. Same-Sex Marriage and Equal Rights

A. In the past ten years same-sex marriages have been a continuous debate. Discrimination and inequality continue to increase as the homosexual population increases. People that are against same-sex marriages argue that allowing homosexuals to marry is considered a sin in many churches. What most opposers misunderstand The 14th amendment states that all Americans are treated fairly despite race, gender, or religious preference.

Same-Sex Marriage and Religion

A. Most of the controversies of same-sex marriages come from religious opponents. Christians like President Obama oppose same-sex marriages but he strongly believes in equality. Religious organizations have struggled with policies, privileges and rites regarding homosexuality, including whether or not to bless same-sex unions and whether or not gays and lesbians may hold positions of authority. (New York Times, 2012).

B. Mr. Obama has said he opposes same-sex marriage as a Christian but describes himself as a "fierce advocate of equality" for gay men and lesbians. While Mr. Obama has said he is "open to the possibility" that his views on same-sex marriage are misguided, he had offered no signal that he intended to change his position. (New, York Times, 2012).

III. Same-sex and Family

A. Same-sex marriages have an effect on children and how they are raised. Opponents argue that children who are raised with homosexual parents will not do well. Homosexuals argue that if the children are better off with parents that have a stable relationship and are caring adults then gender should not matter. Allowing the option of marriage for same-sex couples encourages people to have strong family values and give up high-risk sexual lifestyle.

B. "Marriage has important consequences for children. Opponents of same-sex marriage often argue that the state should only promote opposite-sex marriage because1) marriage is fundamentally about raising children and 2) children will not do well with same-sex