The proposed legalization of same-sex marriage is one of the most significant issues in contemporary American family law. As a heavily campaigned development currently discussed in law assessment; these extremely confrontational and debatable political questions are facing present day American courts. If same-sex marriage is legalized, its affect on the parents, children, same sex couples, families, and the social and political world will be astronomical. The arguments surrounding the issue though confrontational nonetheless are easily seen from a wide array of perspectives. One of the perspectives states that marriage is a promise to a spouse to stay loyal and faithful in all aspects of the words. The act of marriage includes financial, legal and social responsibilities for each partner. No matter the composition of the couple, the rules of marriage are the same from most every angle. In the act of marriage two adults bond and lawfully and often, religiously, make a promise to take on its responsibilities. The greatest question, however, is to the sole reason as to why homosexual marriages should be declared illegal or nonexistent.
The acceptance of Marriage in society has changed throughout the years. During the mid 20th century, divorce was frowned upon and interracial marriages were unheard of. Now, both are much more accepted and have only become accepted by time and the evolution of society. Same sex marriage though a somewhat newer concept coincides with the acceptance of divorce around the mid 20th century. Though acceptance of same sex marriage continues to increase many communities still find it shocking. Laws are being created all over the country, in different states, to either stop or support homosexual relationships.
The state of California has stated two main reasons why same-sex marriage should not be legalized. Argument one says the only legitimate purpose of marriage is to
Bibliography: "Gay marriages should be allowed, state judge rules," The Wall Street Journal, Dec. 4, 1996. Stoddard, Thomas, "Gay marriages: Make them legal", Current Issues and Enduring Questions, Bedford Books, Boston. Wald, Michael S., An Analysis of Proposition 22 – The "knight" Intiative; The Stanford Institute for Research on Women and Gender, The Stanford Center on Adolescence, Stanford University, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, CA 94305-8610 Wehmeyer, Peggy, Strength for Living; Interview with Peggy Wehmeyer, Thursday, April 22, 2004