Same-sex marriage has been a widely argued topic for many years, causing tons of controversy across the globe. The two sides pertaining to this debate are legalizing same-sex marriage, or applying a constitutional ban. The largest point of disagreement is whether or not allowing same-sex marriage promotes equality, and not allowing it promotes discrimination. As Americans, we value equality, liberty, and tolerance. Merriam-Webster defines equality as the “quality or state of having the same rights, social status, etc.” This value is one that is societal, meaning it is followed relating to society.
Not allowing same sex marriage is also a minority discrimination. Prohibiting gays to marry interferes with legal rights of Separation of Church and State. If same sex marriage were allowed, there would be Economic Benefits for the country. Not to mention, Gay marriage would make it easier for same-sex couples to adopt, providing stable homes for children who would otherwise be left in foster care. There are several various reasons that gays and lesbians seek the right of marriage for personal reasons also and they should not be denied the same rights as anyone.
The legalization of gay marriage could positively effect the American public in many ways. The most recent development in this issue is the Supreme Court ruling on the case of U.S. v. Windsor. It was decided on June 26, 2013 that section 3 of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, is unconstitutional under the fifth amendment. It directly violates the clause stating that all American citizens will receive equal protection under the law (Metro). Section 3 of DOMA states that “marriage” will be defined as a union between one man and one woman.
Web. 07 Jan. 2014. Work Cited Wolfson, Evan. "Freedom To Marry." Protections Denied to Same-sex Couples and Their Kids.
Same sex marriage is a highly controversial topic that has been lingering in America for some time now. The American society prides itself in the provision of equal rights and opportunities to all, yet, homosexuals continue to be discriminated against and denied their rights to marriage. It is often believe that “marriage is a commitment between two people that love each other and want to share the rest of their life side by side. It is not measured by whether it is a man and a woman, or a couple of the same sex. It is measured by how much a couple loves each other and cares for each other.”(Cheney, 2009) Looking at that definition of marriage, there should never be any reason to deny two people that love each other the right to legally express it by marrying one another.
Couples were interviewed and asked what they thought the reasons to marry were. Some examples they gave were: to express an intention to stay together, to express a commitment to each other and to their families, to possess a legal bond and share their life, to ensure the wellbeing of their future children, to cement their bond to each other, and to create a political statement (Badgett 89). According to these interviews, the majority of couples didn’t specify that marriage could only be between a man and a woman. Therefore, the argument that marriage is only for heterosexual couples is ridiculous. Allowing gays and lesbians to obtain a marriage certificate will not harm the institu... ... middle of paper ... ...tutional Right to Ban Gay Marriage?"
Web. 12 Feb. 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Cite&page=Defense_of_Marriage_Act&id=593153681 Research on DOMA
Oxford [u.a. : Oxford Univ. Press, 2006. Print. Newton, David E. Same-sex Marriage: A Reference Handbook.
Marriage is not about religion because atheists marry; it is not about procreation because the infertile marry; and it is not about finance for it can weave poverty. What it is about is love. For centuries, the battle for gay rights has waged, and will continue to do so until the rights are granted to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to help secure equality for all. “…LGBT people must lead this effort, as so many of [them] are. Their knowledge and experiences are invaluable and their courage inspirational” (Clinton 4).