...Same Sex Marriage Same sex marriage should be legalized due to the following reasons: Marriage is a civil affair and civil rights are given to all. Depriving same sex couples from being able to wed is taking away their civil right, the same civil right that is given to every American. The second reason being; the significant factor of separation of church and state. Religion should not have any authority over the law because the law pertains to everyone no matter their religious views. Last but not least, if same sex couples are allowed to raise a child and are seen as suitable parents providing they are responsible for another’s life then why must they be deprived of the right to wed? Same sex couples are NO different than any other couple and until society/ government sees it that way this battle will continue. The Supreme Court has declared that marriage is a civil right, civil rights are not earned they are given to all and shared equally such as the freedom of religion and speech (Gannon 3-4). Society does not question why we have these rights because all free people have them, so why should gays and lesbians be restricted from having the same civil right to wed than any other couple would. The first argument that is used in attempting to curtail the rights of same sex couple is a religious one. Those who take this tack argue that the bible says that homosexuality is a sin. Because homosexuality is a sin, we should not encourage homosexual relationship by recognizing...
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...contractual relationship recognized by law. The Webster dictionary also defines same sex marriage in the same way. However, there are people do not agree and state that homosexual marriage should not be recognized by law. In Lisa Schiffren's essay, "Gay Marriage, an Oxymoron," she states that gay marriage presents a lot of problems to the society and that the ultimate purpose of marriage is to create and nurture offspring (554). However, Thomas Stoddard holds different opinions about this issue. In his essay, "Gay Marriages: Make Them Legal", he argues that marriage does not only have a symbolic meaning, but also physical purposes such as sharing spouse's estate, tax advantages and insurance benefit (551). All of these rights and privileges cannot be obtained if the marriage is not recognized by law. Unlike what Schiffren suggests, in Stoddard's definition, marriage only involves two people in love. They are not getting married because they want to have children. It is the couple's decision whether or not to get married and the government is preventing them to do so. Homosexual marriage should be legalized in United States because marriage is a decision between two people, religion should not be a factor in the decision of marriage, and there should not be any discrimination on homosexuality. It does not matter in real life or in a fictional world; the ultimate step for a dating couple is marriage. Why cannot a gay couple get married like the heterosexual does? Stoddard...
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...Should Same-sex Marriages be Legalized? Kristina Linthicum PHI 200: Mind and Machine Instructor Michele Clearman-Warner May 5, 2011 Should Same-sex Marriages be Legalized? In recent news articles, it is being said that the legalization of same-sex marriages is imminent. But the biggest debate about the issue is should it be legalized? While there are many points that are for and against the issue, one thing remains. This is a legal issue on whether the law should be changed. When deciding whether a law should be changed, it should be viewed in a legal manner. Here is why same-sex marriages should be legalized in the United States of America. Part I: Thesis The United States of America was based on freedom. While each freedom was not spelled out in the constitution, it is something that can not be refuted. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines to marry as “to take a spouse or to unite in close and usually permanent relations” (Definition 2). While it is socially more accepted now than ever for same-sex couples to live together and even have children together, why are they being held back in receiving the freedom and benefits every opposite-sex couples receive? The right to be able to marry should be equal whether in same-sex couples or opposite-sex couples. Finkelstein (2011) points out that “marriage strengthens commitment between couples and therefore brings stability into the lives of those who enter in it”. If same-sex couples are able to cohabitate...
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...Should Same-Sex Marriage be Legalized? Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility SOC 120 Should Same-Sex Marriage be Legalized? For many years, the debate of should same-sex marriage be legalized has been a topic unsettled. I believe that same-sex marriage should be legalized because not allowing same-sex marriage is discrimination against minorities, protected by the constitution, and is not a sin according to Bible verses. Those against the idea argue homosexuality is a sin, marriage should be between a man and a woman, and same-sex marriage will weaken the institution of marriage. So which side is correct? And what side are you on? This essay will provide you with the facts about same-sex marriage so that you will be able to answer these questions and form an educated opinion on the topic. When arguing if homosexuality is wrong or right, religious arguments often quote scriptures. The problem with this is that the scriptures being quote have more to the meaning than homosexuality. For example, in Genesis 2:18-25 (NIV), when God created Adam and Eve, one of the biggest sayings is that “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” The first problem with using this saying is that it is true God created male and female, as this is the way you reproduce. The verse is not indicating that God created Adam and Eve as husband and wife. Another argument from this verse is that “God created our body’s to be used in a certain way, and we should not use them in any...
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...people and not outsiders. All of these people do matter. Why shouldn’t the government legalize homosexual marriage in all fifty states? Americans shouldn’t be discriminated against because of a unique approach to relationship values and views, yet they still are. Only thirteen states allow Gay marriage and just a few allow a civil union, or a marriage without the word marriage. Why is this though? The number one reason most people oppose homosexuality is religion. The Bible says, "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death; their blood is upon them” (Leviticus 20:13). There are also a few other references in the Holy Bible which refers to homosexuality, but since when does the government conform to a religion? America has been known to be the melting pot of the world where all religions, ethnicities, gender, and other differences come together to live in unity. The United States hasn’t begun to obey other Biblical rules or terms, nevertheless we start on homosexuality. What about adultery? The Bible is against cheating, yet it’s still legal. The Bible also rules out other things like tattoos and divorce, but both of these things are on the rise. As a country, we disregard particular policies and pick other ones...
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...Sex Marriage Kendra Brooks EN101 English Composition I Grantham University February 14, 2014 Should gay marriage me legalized? This has become a very trending topic in today’s society. I think the better question the people should ask is, why gay marriage shouldn’t be legalized? Homosexuals are human beings that deserve to get the same respect and have the same rights as others. There are some states that allow same sex marriages, but there are a lot of states that have placed a ban on same sex marriage. Why do same sex couples want to marry? Does allowing homosexual couples the right to wed change the traditional definitions of marriage? Does same sex marriage harm the government? Is it unconstitutional to deny homosexuals the rights to marry? Should the fact that homosexuality is a sin deny homosexuals the right to wed? There are many pros and cons to allowing same sex marriage. Why do same sex couples want to marry? Marriage means as much to homosexual couples as it does to heterosexual couples. The same as heterosexual couples, homosexual couples want to get married to share a lifetime commitment with the person they love dearly. Does allowing homosexual couples the right to wed change the traditional definitions of marriage? A marriage is defined by two peoples love and commitment. Regardless of the sex, if two people are committed and are deeply in love they should be allowed to wed. Does same sex marriage harm the government? No same sex marriage does not harm the...
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...The ethical dilemma surrounding gay marriages Homosexuality is an erotic reaction to the sexual desire of people of the same sex. It is not only about sexual intercourse with similar sex as this could be as a result of limited sexual chances or even rituals in cultural practices. Homosexuality has been considered as a mental disorder. Some think it is Satanism. The issue of gay marriages is a hot topic in our country today. Some states have legalized gay marriages while other states still refuse same sex marriages. For instance in march last year, Michigan State legalized same sex marriages and later the same day, the ruling was stayed and later in the month, a central appeal court stayed the ruling for an indefinite period (Koppel & Jones,...
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... agree on that definition, there are a select few who do not. Some feel same-sex marriage should be legalized; I disagree! I disagree because of its effects on children, its unnaturalness, and its religious immorality. My first argument addresses the effects of homosexual parents on children; and children affected by homosexuality in general. A child living in a home with homosexual parents encounters the problem of the lack of either a mother or father figure, which is important in raising a child, instead of being raised by both a mother and a father. Studies have shown that being raised by a mother and a father, children are less likely to do drugs, commit suicide, or become pregnant (Dobson). Another disadvantage to homosexual rearing is the child may become confused about his or her gender and sexuality. One source explained that females raised in a lesbian home are four times as likely to become lesbians themselves; and for males raised in a gay home, they are twice as likely to become gay as well (Kiley 2). Another concern for children with homosexual parents is sexual abuse from one or both of the parents, which is fifty times as likely as opposed to heterosexual parents (Kiley 2). By legalizing same-sex marriages, we would not only be affecting children of those couples, but all children through the school system. Public schools would be forced to teach homosexuality; textbooks would have to illustrate same-sex relationships, and this could affect children as...
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...1 Article Rebuttal Sheretta Burries BCOM/275 November 6, 2012 Charlene Sowell 2 Should Same-Sex Marriages be legalized? This rebuttal article is about how same sex marriages should be legalized. In this paper valid points will be made to refute the statements made by Pope Benedict XVI, of the Roman Catholic Church on Jan. 9, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI told Vatican diplomats from 179 countries that same-sex marriage threatens "human dignity" in his annual "State of the World". The Pope Benedict XVI based his claim on his belief saying that Roman Catholic Church "cannot approve of legal initiatives that imply a re-evaluation of the life of the couple and the family." I think that people should take action on what they believe is right for them. Pope Benedict XVI quoted that "Education needs settings. Among these, pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman," said the man who is head of the 1.3 billion-members of the Catholic Church. "This is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself." Some people would say this is biased and flawed. Besides the Pope there is no other Major Priest or Pastor sounding off the alarm saying that same sex marriages can threaten human dignity and future humanity itself. The Pope was unnecessarily scaring people. I also found out that ten countries allow same-sex couples...
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...Abstract Homosexuality has been an ongoing debate for many centuries in the United States. Majority of Americans fear homosexuality, because they do not understand it. What society needs to come to realize, is that same sex marriage is not a threat to the institution of marriage or society itself. Homosexuality has been around long enough that society should accept the homosexuals and not discriminate against them. We as human beings should look passed color, religion, or sexual preference, and see each other as the humans we are. Every human being should have the right of choice. The establishment of marriage is usually recognized as a union between a man and a woman, is this essentially accurate? What is a marriage? Several would say that it is a union between two intimate partners, typically between opposite genders. Why should marriage be restricted to that? There is no reason for marriage to be confined to a man and a woman. Will it cause grief or stress if John and Jim get married? Would Lisa and Kelly obtaining married be some kind of reason behind imminent doom? Marriage may be a legally binding union between two intimate partners; why will it matter what gender they are? Support for the previous argument comes from faith. The Bible, for instance, states that gay marriage is wrong and immoral. God apparently defines faith as a union between a man and a woman. Individuals in the U.S. believe many alternative religions and a few do not even have...
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...Gay Marriage Introduction Gay or homosexuality is considered to be romantic or sexual attraction among behaviors among male. Gay refers to an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affection, or romantic attractions primarily to" people of the same sex; ". They do not have such kind of feelings for females. In normal marriage two people one male and one female start their lives together but in gay marriage males of same sex start living together. All over the world, homosexuals exists whether openly or hidden. In America, almost 10 percent of the population is gay. In many parts of the world such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, India etc it is considered to be wrong and it is not considered good there but no one can help the feelings of any person. Whether same sex marriage should be legalized or not is more of a religious debate then a political one. Marriage is considered to be a sacred union between man and woman but in America, everyone has the right to pursuit happiness and everyone has the free will. It can have a positive and negative effect on the society depending on the type of society on which people are living in. Reduction in Marriage Benefits For many years now, same sex marriage has been the top of leading religious and secular controversies in America. It is a complex and strange topic. People have both opposing and favorable view points for gay marriages. One of the many reasons why states provides many benefits to people who get marry...
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...century ago. The government and the society’s point of view towards the marriage institution should only consist of a man and a woman. The trend of homosexual couples are increasingly gaining approved in other countries but they are still not been allowed to marry. However, in 2004, Massachusetts which is a part of the America is the first state that was allowed same-sex couples to marry (Vestal, 2009). Same-sex marriage was gradually permitted in some countries. According to the Confessore and Barbaro (2011), New York has the highest rate where gay and lesbian couples get married. Due to this, it is obvious that homosexual couples wish that their relationship can be accepted by the society. Nowadays, majority of the people have no problem towards the issue of homosexuality. According to a questionnaire result that was stated in the Beijing News, 100 percent out of 83 percent of the respondents born in 1980 years to 1990 years did not disagree of homosexuality (The Star, 2012, p. 39). The purpose of this paper is to point out that homosexual couples have their rights to marry as legalizing homosexual marriage can also bring a multitude advantages to the society and the country. Despite homosexual marriages have to legalize or not in some countries, there are still controversies surrounding in the society. Although same-sex couples in most country cannot marry because it is illegal, we should not deny the rights of same-sex couples to marry just because of their same gender. First...
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...while effectively dimming the light on another. Because of this, we create perceptions based off of information that may not be whole. With these perceptions, we begin to construct a social reality. Once this reality is created, it is difficult to change it even if we find contradicting information. Because of these reasons, the way media represents information is crucial. The issue that will be discussed in this paper is that of gay marriage, stereotypes of homosexuals, and the scientific side of homosexuality. The way media has represented this topic over the past 30 years has varied immensely. We’ve come a long way over the past couple decades and homosexuality is now widely discussed in all forms of media including news, television, advertisements, movies, books, magazines and politics. It is important to close the gaps between the perception, the reality, and the representation of the way media portrays homosexuality. Identifying differences between the representations of homosexuality decades ago compared with now will provide necessary information to form an educated and well-rounded opinion on this issue. This issue is important to our...
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...marriage bill, such as Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington, but a lot of people and scholars are claiming it to be detrimental to society, and that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriage should not be allowed because studies show that society will be destroyed by the outcome of legalizing this act. Homosexuality is mentioned in the Bible many times and exploits it as an immoral sin. A scripture from the Letter to the Corinthians states, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers not male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God”, and a scripture from Leviticus states, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is perversion. ‘Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you." These two scriptures are straight out of the Bible and defile homosexuality to the fullest extent. In Genesis, the Bible says that God made man and a woman to multiply. Homosexual couples are incapable of procreating...
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...marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or gender identity. Gay marriages or unions have become increasingIngly common in several countries beginning in the 20th and 21st century . They are now legal in at least eight European countries. Many people believe that getting married to the one whom he or she loves is natural. Same sex marriage should not be legalized because it condones and legitimizes homosexuality which is an abnormal deviant behavior practiced by only a small percent of the population, (10%) according to some estimates. By definition, marriage is a consensual contractual relationship recognized by law, between one man and one woman. Anything other than this is something else. If the components or elements of a math or chemical formula are changed, the result will not be the same, and declaring that they are the same does not change the fact that they are different. The homosexual activists have engaged in the practice of redefining or changing words or phrases to make their agenda seem more palatable to society and maybe even to themselves. The word “Gay” is a good example of this, because homosexuality has been associated with deviant behavior for at least a hundred years, but gay sounds very...
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