Gay Marriage Should Be Legal

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Introduction
“Do you, take him to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you love, comfort, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer for as long as you both shall live?” (“DOTCOMWOMEN”) This is just one of the traditional speeches you might have heard in a normal wedding when a couple is pronounced husband and wife. How different would it be if it were for a same-sex marriage?

Define ‘marriage: Firstly, what is marriage? Basically, the definition of marriage varies with cultures and views. According to Girgis, George, and Anderson, “marriage is the union of a man and a woman who make a permanent and exclusive commitment to each other of the type that is naturally fulfilled by bearing and rearing children together” (246; vol. 34), in the connubial opinion. On the other hand, the controversial point of view is that “marriage is the union of two people”, despite the gender, “who commit to romantically loving and caring for each other and to share the burdens and benefits of domestic life” (246; vol. 34).

Where does it take place? Traditionally and commonly, marriages are held in weddings, commonly taken place in a church. However, the venue depends on the religion and status of the person. Some may even be held in gardens or parks.

How has it changed over the years? Before the 20th century, marriages were simple. People married for monetary benefits, political reasons, or were forced to marry (Sheri and Bob Stritof). People married with no public acknowledgement and or announcement. In the past, love and marriage were generally treated as unsuited to each other (The Week Staff). It was only until the 17th and 18th century, that people supported marriage for “love rather than wealth or status” (The Week Staff). Slowly, marriage changed from a practice to a constitution (Sheri and Bob Stritof). It had also become principally an individual commitment between two parties pursuing “love, stability, and happiness” (The Week Staff). However, since the 13th century, man-connecting functions became more frequent in churches across the Mediterranean (The Week Staff). It was up till the 21st century, the definition of marriage has started to transform. It has been modified to gays and lesbians claiming a right to be married, too (The Week Staff).

Since 2001, an increasing number of countries have started to legalize gay marriages. Even though more same-sex couples have stand out and declared their sexuality preference, they are still being outcaste in society and are deprived of marriage rights in certain states, even though men and woman are seen to be equal as according to law.

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