Legalizing Gay Marriage

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Gay marriage is controversial because some people think it is a sin to have in their society. Religious teaching may influence but should not necessarily control aspects of public life. Nor should these religious views be the deciding factors in our secular society. As a personal liberty which has no impact on the rights of others, the government should allow gay citizens to marry.

In reviewing the benefits of gay marriage, one first must look at the definition of marriage itself. Marriage can be both a religious and secular event. The separation of church and state has been a key pillar of our nation’s values. This value is enumerated in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” Religions are free to make rules and requirements for marriage within their own religious teachings without governmental interference. However, the government also regulates marriage. In discussing the issue of gay marriage, the current controversy only relates to non-religious marriage, what the government will or will not recognize.

Arguments against gay marriage generally include a weakening of traditional family values, concern about raising children, immorality and Biblical prohibitions. Other opponents view allowing gay marriage as a slippery slope to other unions, including incest, human-animal, polygamy, use of blow-up dolls, and so forth. “Unless we develop a firm definition of what marriage is, the options are endless. If these options sound absurd, just remember that all it takes is a few activist judges to use the statutes to open the door” (balancedpolitics.org).

Traditional families are vi...

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...Child Abuse Rate at Zero Percent in Lesbian Households, New Report Finds.” Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Ariana Huffington. 17 Nov. 2011.

Messerli, Joe. “BalancedPolitics.org – Same Sex Marriages (Pros and Cons, Arguments For and Against, Advantages and Disadvantages).” BalancedPolitics.org – Free Balanced, Non-Partisan Discussion of Political & Social Issues for Debate (Pros and Cons – Decision Making Politics). n.p. , 19 Nov. 2011.

No Listed Author. “Gay Marriage Facts and Statistics – History of Gay Marriage.” Gay Marriage Tips- Gay Marriage Jewelry – Gay Marriage Laws – Gay Divorce. Lifetips. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.

Yen, Hope. “Census: 150,000 Gay Marriages Reported.” Huffingtonpost.com. Ariana Huffington, 22 Sept. 2009. Web. 5 Dec. 2011.

“Zach Wahls Speaks About Family – YouTube.” YouTube – Broadcast Yourself. 1 Feb. 2011. Web. 05 Dec. 2011.

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