Same-Sex Marriage

1103 Words3 Pages

One of the biggest controversies sweeping the United States today is the fight in legalizing same-sex marriage. Some states such as Connecticut in 2008, Vermont in 2009, Massachusettes in 2004, New Hapshire in 2010, New York in 2011, and the District of Columbia in 2010 have come to issue same-sex licenses (HRC, 2011). While others recognize same-sex marriages, Maryland in 2010 and Rhode Island in 2007, civil unions,Delaware and Hawaii in 2012, Illinois in 2011 and New Jersey in 2007, and domestic partnerships, Washington and Nevada in 2009, Oregon in 2008, and California in 2007 (HRC, 2011). However; even though it may seem as “equality” that there are statewide laws ruling in favour of civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, on paper it is far from it. Those who argue against the legalization of same-sex marriage, raise the point that it is unbiblical, against their religion, and that it threatens the sanctity of marriage. Even the former Senate majority leader Bill Frist expresses his opposition to same-sex marriages, “I very much feel that marriage is a sacrament and that should extend and can extend to that legal entity of a union between what has traditionally in our Western values been defined as between a man and woman. So I would support the amendment” (Associated Press, 2003). In addition, others argue that it weakens traditional family values , and that it can even cause confusion to children about gender roles or even raise the divorce rate. In constrast, the United States of America was founded with the intent to keep the church and state seperate and considering that such few states have legitimately passed laws ruling in favour of same-sex marriage, more so, it is almost impossible to factu... ... middle of paper ... ...reamble). Therefore, no man or woman should fall under descriminations that are based on the religious beliefes mentioned above. Third, in Clause 1 of Article 4 in the Federal Constitution it states that “ The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.” With this considered Maryland and Rhode Island should not be the only state to recognize same-sex marriages that have occurred outside of their jurisdiction. www.hrc.org/resources/entry/same-sex-relationship-recognition-laws-state-by-state www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,90731,00.html www.nber.org/public_html/confer/2011/HEs11/Francis_mialon_peng.pdf www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s0075.pdf www.atheism.about.com/od/gaymarriage/p/contragaymarria.htm www.civiliberty.about.com/od/gendersexuality/tp/arguments-against-gay-marriage.htm

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