Teacher: Mrs. Thomas Period: 7
Same-Sex Marriage
Gay rights have been a pressing matter in society. It has created problems both legally and religiously. One of these matters is same-sex marriage. Only ten states (How many states have legalized same-sex marriage?), and Washington D.C., have legalized same-sex marriage and one is waiting for the decision of the Supreme Court. Many believe that same-sex marriage should be allowed in all states. Some reasons include; same-sex marriage not threatening the institution of marriage, same-sex marriage is not harming the children of today or future generations, and, finally, there is no constitutional basis for denying same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is often described as threatening to the institution of marriage. Same-sex marriage is not too different than some others reasons that cause people to get married. “There are people who marry for money, non-sexual companionship, even health insurance.”(Kellard) Regardless of these other reasons for getting married, that are not even tied in with “love”, Same-sex marriage is, generally, the only one of the reasons that is ridiculed even though it stays true to the intended reason for marrying. Adding to the reasons listed before, divorce could also be considered threatening to the institution of marriage. “… the divorce rate in the US is now over 50 percent.”(Kellard) Outlawing divorce could be a good way to “protect” marriage, yet nothing is done. Same-sex marriage threatening the institution of marriage is a flimsy, at best; excuse to outlaw same-sex marriage. Children in society are, usually, more exposed to same-sex marriage. Many believe that todays’ children, and those of the future, must be “protected” from such thoughts or actions. Having a child raised by a gay couple would be no different than having a straight couple raise a child. “Are we worried that letting gays get married will double the attendance of the conversion parties to turn all our children gay? If we are talking about the children of a gay couple… would it not be more beneficial for these children to have a married couple for parents, particularly for legal reasons?”(Kellard) Many believe that todays’ children are going to grow up in a gay-dominated society, which is greatly frowned upon even though it is not going to directly cause harm to them. It is also thought by some that it would be better for a child to be raised in an abusive home environment or with only a single parent. “…how many children are being raised by single parents because one parent took off, or have a mother and father but are neglected or abused?”(Kellard) It would be disgusting to suggest that a child be raised in such environments. Same-sex marriage causing harm to today’s children is not a reasonable excuse. The constitution is the basis for freedom and rights in the United States. It never stated that same-sex marriage be denied to anyone, however. The 14th amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”(Kellard) Nowhere in the text does it deny same-sex marriage. The text also proves that citizens, gay or not, are entitled to the rights listed. “What is very clearly stated is ‘... citizens of the United States.’ Homosexuals and lesbians are tax-paying, law abiding citizens and deserve the same rights and legal protections as every other citizen of the United States.” The constitution does indeed entitle the rights of the constitution to everyone and denying this would be synonymous with refusing to call