Comparing Two Views of Gay Marriage in America

Marriage, by definition, is the institution whereby men and women are joined in a special kind of social and legal dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family. In today’s society however, things are changing. People of all genders are forming bonds with one another, and homosexuals are vying for the right to have their love established as marriage as well. Should men and men, and women and women, be allowed the right of marriage just like heterosexual couples in America? Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett have opposing opinions on this subject, however are more alike in opinion than they know. Their articles tell different stories, with the same general underlying tone.

Gay people are people, just like everyone else. This is the argument that Andrew Sullivan is making in his essay titled “Let Gays Marry”. His argument is based mainly on logic and facts, and for the most part, it is strongly supported. Sullivan mentions in his article that gay people are citizens of our country and are entitled to the exact same rights as everyone else. He is not asking for any special treatment, just equal treatment. All that the gay community is asking for is the right to form a legally recognized union. He also points out that the definition of marriage has changed with the times. Women are no longer a man’s property through marriage. People of different races can get married today and it is highly accepted. He is not asking that America changes heterosexual marriage at all, he is simply requesting that they be more open and accept homosexual bonds as marriages as well.

Speaking for the other side of the spectrum is William Bennett. Using a very emotional argument, it is his belief that marriage should ...

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... It is obvious that there are many differences between the two articles. Sullivan is fighting for his rights as an American, and as a human being, to be able to legalize the love felt between two people of the same sex. Bennett believes that marriage is a crucial part of our society, and that it is so special and important that it should stay as it is. They differ in opinions simply because they are looking for different things.

As you can see, the battle with homosexual marriage is one that is not going to be settled overnight. People will continue voicing their opinions on the topic until we can reach a middle ground. When you think about it though, are our ideas really that different? Both men are fighting for the same cause in a way. They are looking for the glorification of the loving bond of marriage; they are just going about it in different ways.