Marriage Equality

Marriage Equality Marriage is defined in the dictionary as the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc. (Marriage). The key words here are man and woman. But, what about a woman and a woman, or a man and a man; why is this institution not allowed? Marriage equality has become a highly debated topic in America. Yes, there are alternatives, such as civil unions, but this is not the same as being legally joined to their partners; homosexuals feel that civil unions are a slap in the face, because they do not offer all of the benefits traditional marriage does. In some states it is illegal, and it would require a piece of legislation to allow a state to permit same-sex marriage rights. However, as I stated before, it is a highly debated topic, and there are always two sides of a debate. Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage/marriage equality) is a legally or socially recognized marriage between two persons of the same biological sex. Same-sex marriage is a civil rights, political, social, moral, and religious issue in many nations. Marriage equality is important because it allows two human beings to legally be with the one person they love. There are other important aspects of marriage equality. Same-sex couples are excluded from the privileges heterosexual couples receive on a federal level, such as; they cannot use Family & Medical Leave for a same-sex partner, sponsoring a foreign spouse for citizenship, employer-sponsored health benefits for your spouse / partner is assessed federal taxes, Social Security benefits are not issued to same sex partners in case of death or disability, relationship status (married, domestic partner, civil union, etc.) are often not given recognition when you cross state lines, spouses cannot file joint taxes, claim certain tax breaks, or avoid inheritance taxes on property passed from one spouse to the next. (Why).