Opposing Viewpoints: Same-Sex Marriage Equality
Opposing Viewpoints Paper: Same-Sex Marriage Equality
Introduction
If you had a child that grew up to love someone of the same sex, and wanted you to acknowledge their love for each other by being at their wedding, would you? Unfortunately, many Americans would sadly answer no to this question even when it involves their own child and his or her biological makeup. Marriage has been traditionally viewed as a religious and legal commitment between a man and a woman, as well as the ultimate expression of love. Homosexual relationships are continuously gaining acceptance throughout the country, however, many states still do not permit these couples to marry. Many same-sex couples want the right to legally marry, and honor their relationship publicly to represent their love for each other despite what others opinions may be. Whether you refer to it as marriage equality, gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, they all represent the same thing: extending the freedom to marry, along with the rights and protections that opposite-sex married couples are entitled to, to same-sex couples through the act of civil marriage. As a nation known for our peace, equality, and freedom, there should be no limitations or laws that prohibit same-sex couples from having the same marriage rights as everyone else.
Due to their beliefs, religious faiths are free to discriminate against same-sex marriage but the government should not be able to. Two people should be able to enter into marriage without the government intervening. According to the first amendment, the Bible has no say in American law, causing the church to be separated from the states decisions. Making same-sex marriage illegal is similar to criminalizing a white person for marrying a black person or an American’s right to marry a non-American. An American should have the right to marry whomever they desire, no matter their race, religion, nationality, or gender. Gays have been fighting for their rights for over 60 years, and
Introduction
If you had a child that grew up to love someone of the same sex, and wanted you to acknowledge their love for each other by being at their wedding, would you? Unfortunately, many Americans would sadly answer no to this question even when it involves their own child and his or her biological makeup. Marriage has been traditionally viewed as a religious and legal commitment between a man and a woman, as well as the ultimate expression of love. Homosexual relationships are continuously gaining acceptance throughout the country, however, many states still do not permit these couples to marry. Many same-sex couples want the right to legally marry, and honor their relationship publicly to represent their love for each other despite what others opinions may be. Whether you refer to it as marriage equality, gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, they all represent the same thing: extending the freedom to marry, along with the rights and protections that opposite-sex married couples are entitled to, to same-sex couples through the act of civil marriage. As a nation known for our peace, equality, and freedom, there should be no limitations or laws that prohibit same-sex couples from having the same marriage rights as everyone else.
Due to their beliefs, religious faiths are free to discriminate against same-sex marriage but the government should not be able to. Two people should be able to enter into marriage without the government intervening. According to the first amendment, the Bible has no say in American law, causing the church to be separated from the states decisions. Making same-sex marriage illegal is similar to criminalizing a white person for marrying a black person or an American’s right to marry a non-American. An American should have the right to marry whomever they desire, no matter their race, religion, nationality, or gender. Gays have been fighting for their rights for over 60 years, and