Ending marital discrimination is a matter of civil rights, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. Same sex couples are denied significant rights when they are not allowed to marry, which results in injustice. Arguments against the legalization of same-sex marriage do not value the legal support of the state because the state's job is not to promote popular opinions, but the rights of its citizens. The American Civil Liberties Union in 1996 says, “The law against same-sex marriage discriminates on the basis of sex because it makes one's ability to marry depend on one's gender.” According to the ACLU “Classifications which discriminate on the basis of gender must be substantially related to some important government purpose…tradition by itself is not an important government purpose. If it was an important government purpose , sex discrimination would be quite permissible. The issue on same sex marriage can be argued that it is entirely about government, but it just as much about love and equality as it is law and economics. There are many churches and other places of worship that will perform a marriage ceremony for two people of the same sex. There is no law against two people of the same sex exchanging rings and vows and calling themselves married, or even legally changing their surnames. There are many important protections, benefits, and responsibilities that come with civil marriage and the prohibition of Gay marriage denies these legal and economic benefits, which causes much harm and disadvantages to same sex couples. In conclusion ending discrimination in civil marriage would properly hold America to its commitment to be a country where everyone has the right to be both different and equal – and where no one has to give up her or his difference to be treated equally.
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