Preview

Same Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1719 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Same Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized
Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized

Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized
In the United States, same-sex couples did not have the right to legally marry one an other until 2004. “Massachusetts began to allow same-sex marriage for residents of that state... Legal marriage also carries the intangible but envy important benefit of conveying to the world that the couple involved is truly a family” (Andryszewski, 2008, p. 8). Yet, as society places an increasingly high emphasis on basic human rights, and becomes more open-minded in terms of marriages, same-sex marriage has drawn attention and become a hot topic for debate. As of Nov. 12, 2014, 33 states in the United States have legalized same-sex marriage, among which twenty-two are by court decision, eight are by state legislature and three are by popular vote. In the meantime, seventeen states have continued to resist abolishing the ban on gay marriage, as stated in both Constitutional Amendment and State Law (Anonymous, 2009). Doubtlessly, there are proponents and opponents when dealing with the legalization of same-sex marriage. Advocates argue, “same-sex couples should have access to the same marriage benefits and public acknowledgment enjoyed by heterosexual couples. They also argue that prohibiting gay marriage is unconstitutional discrimination” (ProCon.org, 2008), while “opponents argue that altering the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and a woman will further weaken a threatened institution and that legalizing gay marriage is a slippery slope that may lead to polygamous and interspecies marriages” (ProCon.org, 2008). Both supporters and opponents of homosexual marriage have sufficient reasons to support their point of views, as their arguments are cogent in nature. Thus, since both sides have arguments that are rooted in logical reasoning, it is hard to assess from the initial opinion which side is correct. Same-sex marriage should be legalized because it is a



References: Andedrson, E. (2012). A Defense of the “Sterility Objection” to the New Natural Lawyers’ Argument against Same-Sex Marriage. Ethical Theory & Moral Practice, 16(4), 759–775. Retrieved November 12, 2014. Andryszewski, T. (2008). Same-sex marriage: Moral wrong or civil right? Minneapolis: Twenty-First Century Books. Goetting, N. (2013). Gay Marriage is a Fundamental Right. National Lawyers Guild Review, 70(3), 137-144. Retrieved from http://heinonline.org. November 10, 2014. Lannutti, P. (2008). Attractions and Obstacles While Considering Legally Recognized Same-Sex Marriage. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 4(2), 245-264. Retrieved November 16, 2014, from Academic Search Premier. ProCon.org. (2008). Pro & Con Arguments: "Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?"? Retrieved from http://gaymarriage.procon.org/

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Hollywood vs History

    • 936 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Revolutionary war, sparked by the colonist's anger towards taxation without representation, was a conflict between the United States and its mother country Great Britain. This event had been considered the most significant event in the American history. It separated the thirteen colonies from the tyrannical ruling of King George. The revolutionary war was not a big war, "The military conflict was, by the standards of later wars, a relatively modest one. Battle deaths on the American side totaled fewer than 5,000"1. However, the war proved that the thirteen colonies were capable of defeating the powerful Great Britain. Over the years there were many Hollywood films made based on the revolutionary war, 1776, Revolution, Johnny Tremain, and The Patriot. But, no movie has stirred up as much controversy as the Mel Gibbson movie The Patriot. The patriot is very entertaining but it is historically inaccurate. Too much Hollywood "spices" was added to the movie for viewing pleasures.…

    • 936 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    This website offers insight into the eyes of homosexual couples. It describes the different opinions between supporting and opposing groups and how they are fighting to make their side effective. Maps and diagrams are also given to show how gay marriage has changed through the state and the federal governments.…

    • 411 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    The topic of same sex marriage is one that causes great debate in today’s society. There are many views on weather it should or should not be allowed and the effects it could have on the United States if it were allowed. The debate has been an ongoing one and as more states begin contemplating legalization the debates have become more heated. In an article written by Katha Pollitt, entitled What’s Wrong with Gay Marriage? , she argues for the legalization of same sex marriage making a multitude of valuable points. In an opposing article entitled Gay “Marriage”: Societal Suicide by Charles Colson her argues in opposition against same sex marriage using statistics and history to make his valid points. Both writers argue their points exceptionally but Pollitt’s essay is the better one as it is incredibly fair and reasonable and argues the opposition’s points perfectly.…

    • 563 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Best Essays

    Coun 501

    • 4924 Words
    • 20 Pages

    Jost, K. (2003, September 5). Gay marriage. CQ Researcher, 13, 721-748. Retrieved June 22, 2010, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher…

    • 4924 Words
    • 20 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Good Essays

    Week 5 Final Paper

    • 2010 Words
    • 9 Pages

    References: Commentary: Marriage is a basic right to both heterosexuals and homosexuals (2003). . Washington, D.C., United States, Washington, D.C.: Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/189797853?accountid=32521…

    • 2010 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Opposing Viewpoints

    • 1126 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Wilkins, Richard G. "The Constitutionality of Legal Preferences for Heterosexual Marriage." Family in America June 2001: n. pag. Rpt. in Homosexuality. Ed. Helen Cothran. San Diego: Greenhaven, 2003. Current Controversies. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 5 May…

    • 1126 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The United States government is the largest buyer of a wide variety of goods and services in the entire world. According to Ransom (2014), The U.S. government spends approximately $500 billion a year contracting goods and services for civilian employees and our military, including things as simple as office supplies like staplers to more essential items such as bulletproof vests and military clothing and materials, even janitorial services. Small businesses in America help to provide a sizeable amount of these purchases with assistance of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA was founded on July 30, 1953, and was a derivative of President Herbert Hoover’s Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) that helped America’s small businesses…

    • 1271 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Writing Project three

    • 1642 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The legalization of same-sex marriage is fought strongly by both sides. Those against same-sex marriages fear legalizing them would diminish traditional marriages, along with having other concerns. The main view of those for same-sex marriage legalization is that they see it as a right to gays and lesbians. The question is which side is right? Would the legalization of same-sex marriages take away from traditional marriages or is it a right not being honored? The question of same-sex marriage brings with it the question why. Is it important for same-sex marriages to be legalized considering that same-sex couples can live in cohabitation even in the states where same-sex marriages are illegal? These are a few of the age old questions pertaining to the issue of same-sex marriage legalization. While many American’s view on marriage is that they are between a man and a woman, there are still several who believe same-sex marriages should be legalized.…

    • 1642 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    WGU GLT1

    • 878 Words
    • 3 Pages

    When asked if one believes in equal rights for all citizens, the typical, rote response is a resounding “Yes”. If the question becomes more specific as to include the right for homosexuals to marry, a hesitation follows. The concept of gay marriage is far deeper a societal problem for most because its roots lie in prejudicial perspectives that have permeated us for years. Before the fight for the right to marry, the gay community has long endured simply the right to exist openly without feeling pariah-like.…

    • 878 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Stoddard Essay

    • 1241 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Stoddard, Thomas B.”Gay Marriage: Make them Legal.” Current Issues and Enduring Questions A Guide to Critical Thinking and Argument with Readings. Barnet Ed. Ninth Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007. 721-723. Print.…

    • 1241 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    One of the most controversial topics of today’s matter is whether gay marriage should be legalized or not. There are numerous reactions when this subject comes to discussion and can sometimes lead to a heated debate. Some individuals believe that homosexuality is unethical while people who agree with gay marriage believe to put in consideration that the sexual preference of another human being is necessary. With every conflict comes pros and cons and this topic is like pulling a tight-rope if ever brought up in a debate because you never know who will pull the rope tighter. Gay marriage has a vast influence on the society today, relevant to it becoming legalized, it is bound to impact future generations, and will affect the establishment of marriage later in life.…

    • 697 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Marriage and Individuals

    • 1257 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Both authors have some similar perspectives on the same sex marriage topic; one of them being sociological views and the matter of same-sex couples. In addition, both Evan and Andrew believe that family and friends who support and understand gay couples have a major positive on same sex marriage. Both authors discussed that many gay or lesbian children are being raised in a non-gay environment and that has a negative impact on the lives of children. The differences between Wolfson and Sullivan’s viewpoints are that Sullivan emphasizes the individual citizen, and Wolfson emphasize the importance of same-sex marriage. Some people are still ignoring the fact that our society is changing and evolving rapidly. Same-sex couples have been suppressing their voices throughout many decades, and now they are ready to fight for their freedom and the right to be married.…

    • 1257 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Media Bias

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The New York Times’ article about the Supreme Court taking up the same-sex marriage issue was clear and accurate. There were good statistics about states’ involvements in the on-going debate. There were hyper-links to other topics related to this article such as Social Security benefits, estate taxes, Proposition 8, and domestic partnerships in specific states. The facts that were reported in this New York Times’ article were specific and detailed enough to gather the message of the topic being presented. Other facts that support the topic, although not detailed in this report, allow for readers to research further at their own will, using the provided links.…

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    Gay Marriage Exploratory

    • 1190 Words
    • 5 Pages

    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.…

    • 1190 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Marriage Equality

    • 2649 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Same sex marriage has become a highly debated topic in America. In the year 2008, two events occurred in the state of California that made this subject a key issue in the high courts, the congress, and the main stream media: the legalization of gay marriage in April, and the passing of Proposition 8 in November. Though this may seem like a current topic, the arguments, both for and against same sex marriage, have been around for some time. Seventy percent of people in the United States oppose same sex marriage (Bidstrup 2009) Within this percentage are people who favor civil unions, the alternative to marriage. Some gay couples opt for civil unions, rather than not be legally joined to their partners. Other gay couples feel that civil unions are a slap in the face, because they do not offer all of the benefits traditional marriage does. Many same sex couples feel that they should either be allowed to marry, or civil unions should provide the same rights as traditional marriage.…

    • 2649 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays