Same Sex Marriage Essay

Is It Good for America to Adopt Same Sex Marriage?

Would society differ if same sex couples were allowed to marry? How would it be

different? These are just a couple of questions that people ask when talking about same sex

marriage. I believe same sex marriage should be legalized because it violates our constitution

right, that all men are created equal. It also denies them thousands of dollars in Social Security and tax benefits that normal married couples get. It’s a proven fact that same sex married couples lead healthier and less distressed lives. According to David Von Drehle, 83% of Americans

polled believe same sex marriage will be legalized in the United States nation-wide in the next 5

to 10 years.(10) So why are so many people against same sex marriage? Lets look at they’re

arguments.

The institution of marriage has traditionally been defined as between a man and a woman.

According to Ross Douthat, “The concept of "traditional marriage" being defined as one man and one woman is historically inaccurate.” (4) He says that the prevalence of modern and ancient

marriages based on polygamy and child-rearing, and the use of mistresses and prostitution,

would make heterosexual monogamy “unnatural” in evolutionary terms. In fact many studies

have found that legalizing same sex marriage would not harm “traditional family values” and

society would function successfully if the same sex marriage ban was lifted. And same sex

marriage lowers divorce rates, while gay marriage bans are correlated with higher divorce rates.

Gay marriage is protected by the Constitution's commitments to liberty and equality. The

US Supreme Court ruled in 1974’s Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur that the "freedom of personal choice in matters of marriage and family life is one of the liberties protected by the Due

Process Clause.”(8) A United States District Judge, also found that Prop. 8 in California

banning gay marriage was unconstitutional under both Due Process Cause and Equal Protection

Clause. (8) So if same sex marriage is unconstitutional why is it still illegal in 36 States?

Same-sex couples should have access to the same benefits enjoyed by heterosexual

married couples. An Oct. 2, 2009 analysis by the New York Times estimates that a same-sex

couple denied marriage benefits will incur an additional $41,196 to $467,562 in expenses over

their lifetime compared to a married heterosexual couple.(2) Thats not including the non-

expenses type benefits including hospital visitation rights when one partner is ill, access to

family health coverage, and protection in which a relationship ends. In fact, same sex marriage

could bring thousands of dollar to state and local governments. This comes from additional

marriage licenses, higher income taxes, and decrease in cost for state’s benefit programs.

Sex same married lesbian, gay, and bi-sexual were far less distressed than lesbian, gay,

and bi-sexual non-married couples. (9) The American Psychological

Association, and others wrote in a Sep. 2007 amicus brief, "...allowing same-sex couples to

marry would give them access to the social support that already facilitates and strengthens

heterosexual marriages, with all of the psychological and physical health benefits associated with that support.”(3) That means there would be far less anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse, and

mood disorders. Which is just better for society as a whole.

All same sex marriages want is to celebrate they’re love for one another the same way

heterosexual couples do. And what better way than to get legally married? So all they’re friends

and family can enjoy they’re love the same way they do. And think of the kids, 100,000 kids are

waiting for adoption or in foster care. A longitudinal study published in Pediatrics on June 7,

2010 found that children of lesbian

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