Same Sex Marriage Should Be Legal

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The debate surrounding same sex marriage, while becoming a widely recognized issue within the past couple years, is one that has a long history and varied opinions. This argument of allowing same sex couples to marry has taken on various aspects, some of them being equality, sanctity of the institution, children’s protection, as well as many other reasoning’s. While marriage equality began as almost non existent, due to 40 of the states having some sort of limit keeping marriage to opposite sex couples by late 2000, it has now developed into 35 states allowing same sex marriage. I believe that same sex marriage should be legal and recognized throughout the United States. Not allowing this important social and personal recognition is a violation at a constitutional level, a show of unequal rights and privileges, and would in no way violate the “sanctity” of marriage for opposite sex partners. Marriage equality should be all encompassing.
The unconstitutionality of states not allowing or recognizing same sex marriage is one of the first arguments that is usually presented when speaking about this issue. As it makes sense that it should be addressed. It is unconstitutional to not be legal as marriage is a legal foundation that should be free of discrimination. It is in our rights to be able to pursue happiness and to be treated as equals under the law. Our constitution itself says we are not to be deprived of life, liberty, and property, and the Declaration that stated we were a free country said we had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With these declarations in our countries founding documents, it can be said that not allowing same sex marriage is a violation of an individual’s pursuit of happiness and th...

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...02. An additional 14,000 were in foster homes headed by gays and lesbians” (Williams Institute) Same sex marriage may also be beneficial to children by giving them a sense of security and validation at seeing their parents being recognized as married and equal to others.
The argument against same sex marriage is one that is long tired and should be put to rest. We as a society and nation have advanced so far in terms of equal treatment and establishment of respect towards one another and human life that the issue of allowing same sex marriage should be non-existent. Those of a differing sexual orientation are no different than any other human being and should be treated in such a way. To raise such a dispute about equality in a nation that fought for that very honor is doing a great disservice to us as a people and the ideals for which we have stood and fought for.

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