Premium Essay

Gay Marriages: Right or Wrong

In:

Submitted By tonja1678
Words 1018
Pages 5
Gay Marriages: Right or Wrong?
SOC 120: Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility
Instructor: Danielle Ely
May 19, 2013

Gay Marriages: Right or Wrong?
Gay marriage has been a touchy topic in society for many years now. It is an ethical issue because it goes against most people norms and this alone causes many problems. Deciding whether it is right or wrong is the issue at hand. Many people believe that two people of the same sex should not be allowed to get married, while others think that it is ok. In this case, who can we say is right and who is wrong. Is that really our decision to make?
Mosser, (2010). states, “A natural way to see if an act is the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do is to look at its results, or consequences.” I agree that before making decision in life we must first determine how critical it is and how it might affect the people around us. Also, are we ready to suffer the consequences we may face such as family members and people in the community not supporting us? Utilitarianism believes that, if you are given a set of choices, the act that we should choose is the act which produces the best results for the largest number of people affected by that decision. Relativism disables us from making our objections to practices that appears not just wrong relative to a society's values, but plain out simply wrong. Also, it can be very hard to figure out what one's culture is in the relevant ethical sense to make relativism work, and it may be hard for a society to see that it may be doing something immoral, if the very idea of immoral policies cannot be raised within that society.
I believe that people have the right to voice their opinion about things that are happening in the world today. However, I do not think that they should judge others for the decisions they choose to make about how they want to live their lives.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Gay Marriage

...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...

Words: 1918 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Ethical Dilemma Same Sex Marriage

...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,...

Words: 1135 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Philosophy Concepts

...chose the topic of gay marriage. I chose gay marriage because I know that there has been a lot of controversy over the subject. People either say gay marriage is unnatural, immoral, and wrong or to not let them marry is discrimination and not equal treatment. The first article is arguing for gay marriage and the second article is arguing against it. While both articles give some good arguments, the first article is definitely the stronger of the two. I myself am against gay marriage, but both of these articles pose good points, but also some flaws. The first article I read was from USA Today arguing that the problem with not allowing gay marriage is that it’s not equal treatment. They start out the article with giving a premise saying that traditionalist only see marriage in religious terms and that they say by common definition, marriage involves a man and woman. I think this argument is weak because the premise isn’t really supporting the conclusion, its just saying that a certain group of people thinks that way. After this they propose the premise saying that judges look at marriage as far from a religious matter and that the state gives married couples privileged treatment under law. I think this premise is weak because it doesn’t really explain how they homosexuals are treated unequal, it’s just saying what privileges married couples get. Next he goes on to give the premise that homosexual couples, even some together 20-30 years, don’t have the rights that other married...

Words: 1489 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Marry

...Zungia y Postigo July 16, 2013 Marriages are said to be a legally recognized relationship, established by civil or religious ceremonies, between two people who vow to love one another till death do them part. Usually, marriages take place between a man and a woman, in love. However, the world is changing and more people are coming out to be homosexuals, who cannot make this legal vow to love their partner till death do them part. The United States is called the land of the free for many reasons, but if it is supposed to be free then it should be free for everyone, not just selected people. This argumentative paper will discuss both sides of homosexual marriage and reasons on why it should be legal and why it should not be legal. Every person born in the United States is born with civil rights which may include: race, religion, and sex. Having the option to marry the person you love is a right given to you at birth. Homosexuals, however, are being discriminated against due to their relationships with people of the same sex. Ferguson (2007) quotes “So, one common argument for gay marriage is that government denial of the legal right to gay marriage deprives gays and lesbians of access to the social sanction and status that marriage confers, and hence to full adulthood, rights to familial or joint property and inheritance rights, and full citizenship” (p. 40). To summarize what this says is that when the government denies these rights to individuals, we are stripping away...

Words: 2105 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Gay Marriage

...Gay Wedded Bliss Erica Pickering SOC 120 David Strand June 24, 2013 I chose the topic Gay Marriage, and I chose this one, because I have such a strong view and opinion on this topic. I wish that one day we could all live in a world where everyone is accepted, no matter who that love, that is my idea of a perfect world, that and no violence. Gay Marriage I know though will never be 100% accepted everywhere, and it does not have to be, everyone has the right to their own opinion and freedom of speech. I am completely for Gay Marriage, I do not see an issue at all, but I know others feel differently. I feel that the gay community should get the same treatment and same benefits we do with marriage. My opinion on this issue has always been the same as long as I can remember. I have never had a problem with gays, nor will I ever; I just view them as people. I wish everyone could have the same views, I think this world would be a better and more comfortable place. I know gays are viewed as different, and outcasts but I know I would not want to feel that way. I follow the golden rule, treat others as you would want to be treated and do unto others and you would wish them to do to you. I have never had anyone close in my family that was gay, but I have had friends that I knew were gay, and they were honestly no different than my straight friends. They treated me the same, treated their families and other friends the same, nothing different. I had this girl, who used to be...

Words: 2218 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Home

...Topic: Marriage and family: Just for men and women or open to everyone? Introduction: Traditionally marriage has been for men and women but as time changes marriage has been offered to same sex couples. Gay marriage, which is also known as same-sex marriage, is defined as a union between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender, allowing these individuals to have the same set of legal rights as those possessed by heterosexual spouses (Urbandictionary.com, 2011). In fact, in recent years, the debate over whether same-sex marriage should be legalized has grown from an issue that occasionally arose in a few states to a nationwide controversy (Masci, 2010). Specifically, in the last ten years the argument regarding gay marriage can be heard whether you are walking through the halls of the United States Congress or at the White House as well in dozens of state legislatures and courtrooms and in the speeches of people running for election at both the national and state levels (Masci, 2010). Most people will tell you they’re in favor of equal rights for homosexuals, but only in housing, jobs, public accommodations, and equal assess to government benefits (Wildman, 2005). Then you get to gay marriages and all this talk of equality stops. At one time it was illegal for African adults to marry Caucasian adults, today it is said to be traditional, so why so much prejudice over the matter of gay marriage. For one reason marriage states...

Words: 505 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Gay Marriage

...The Controversy Surrounding Gay Marriage “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” - Declaration of Independence The debate of gay marriage is very complex, due to the many different feelings people express on the topic. One opinion is that gay marriage should be legalized nationally. Others feel that gay marriage should not be legalized but civil unions should be granted to homosexuals so they have an alternative that allows gays and lesbians to receive something that compares to the same rights as marriage Finally others believe neither gay marriage nor civil unions should be offered and that any legal union should be available only to heterosexual couples only. These different opinions that are expressed by society’s attitudes towards gay marriage continue to cause great controversy throughout the country. The true meaning of marriage is sharing vows between two people to bind their feelings toward each other forever. Many feel that the sanction should be shared between a man and a woman and if it is opened to homosexuals this will take away from the importance of marriage. According to an article written by Scott Bidstrup, called "Gay Marriage: The Arguments and The Motives," people in our society argue that gay marriage is wrong because marriage is the union between a man and a woman...

Words: 1230 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Same-Sex Marriage

...an inferior race. "By defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord"(Hitler). Fast forward to the time where woman were seen as no more than childrearing humans only capable enough to cook, clean, and bear children. All for the man, in a time where males were the 'superior sex'. The list goes on and on. Have we not come far enough in humanity to come to the modern conclusion that "ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL" ? To embrace the differences of all. To all work together, despite our ethnicity, sex, religion, or now-sexual orientation. Can we not learn a lesson from our history. Well, the modern day 'war' is brewing. That 'war' is the battle on same-sex marriage. The gay community has come a long way. Harvey Milk and the gay rights movement happened only 30+ years ago. Gays...

Words: 1274 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Gay Rights

...Dictionary marriage is the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. Marriage is no longer just about a man and a woman committing themselves to each other for life, it now encompasses, gay and lesbians as well, as they pledge to love, honor, and trust each other all the days of their lives . Today same-sex marriage is one the biggest controversies and it seems like no one could ever come to a common agreement. Personal characteristics such as upbringing, culture, religion, ethnicity all play a major role in determining ones feelings on a given controversial issue. Although gays, just like any other human being have a right to a life of dignity, pursuit of happiness, people against homosexuality term such unions as unnatural. In this essay I will persuade the reader why same-sex marriage should be allowed to get married and what civil unions like LGBT are doing to fight back. One of the most arguments against gay marriage is that if they are legalized, the institution of marriage will lose its significance. Traditionally, we think of marriage as a union between a man and woman recognized by law. However the definition of marriage varies different meanings for different cultures but when defined broadly, marriage is considered a cultural universal. If this is true, then why can’t a person be accepted to love a person of the same sex? As American citizens we are promised our rights of life...

Words: 1678 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Ethics Paper Gay Marriage

...What would happen if gay marriage were to be legalized across the country? Would a third World War break out? Would Various plagues erupt nationwide? Would schools begin teaching kids how to have gay sex? Would the terrorists win? Probably not; although, my intuition tells me that the “worst” thing that could possibly come from the legalization of gay marriage is, well, the marriage of gay couples. Now, I do not recall the legal union of two heterosexual strangers influencing an individuals life in our world today; why would it if these two individuals happened to be homosexual? When addressing the theories of ethics, cultural relativism states that cultures evolve in the way that species do (pp) . Over the past years, decades, generations, and centuries, our country has come and exceedingly long way in regards to what is considered morally right and wrong. Amongst many contentions within the longevity of our nation there were notorious ones such as: the ban of interracial marriages, prohibition era, the advertising of cigarette smoking, and even the fact that years ago it was morally incorrect for a married couple to sleep in the same bed. Interracial marriages were viewed almost identically to how gay marriage is viewed today: iniquitous and abominate. When the ban was lifted in 1967 it progressively became okay for interracial couples to get married, and now at least a fourth of Americas population is biracial. When the prohibition era ended, the selling, manufacturing...

Words: 593 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Gay Marriage

...GAY MARRIAGE 1 Gay Marriage In The United States By: Michael White SOC. 120 PJ Rosch April 2, 2012 GAY MARRIAGE 2 America is a place where a person man or woman can be whoever they want to be. America is the only place in the world where freedom reigns everywhere in the country. But, Why is it that two men or women who love each other can not get married?. Here and now people in LGBT community are fighting for equality. They want the same right as people who are considered to be regular americans to get married. Opposing forces such as certain religous groups, and several other organizations are fighting to stop this from happening. There is an easy solution to the problem why not let people be. If America is truly a land of freedom and expression then why is same sex marriage is prohibited. HISTORY Gay Marriage is something that has been going on for centuries all around the world. Same sex marriage existed in places such as China dated as far back as the Ming Dynasty. The relationships consisted of men and women mostly women who entered into contracts with younger men and women in a fancy ceremony. These ceremonies are similar to the modern day wedding between a male and female. The first recorded gay marriage occured during the Roman Empire. This marriage was between an Emperor by the name of Elagabus and slave named Hierocles. This marriage still was not fair because in the eyes of the Roman Law, the slave Hierocles was noted as a female. Various Cultures...

Words: 2119 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?

...Should Gay Marriage Be Legal? Why should gay marriage be legalized? Gay marriage is wrong & disrespectful to god. The institution of marriage is a tradition between a man and a woman, not two men or two women. Marriage is already threatened with high divorce rates (between 40% and 50%) and with 40.6% of babies being born to unmarried mothers. Allowing gay marriage would weaken the institution. Gay marriage could also mess up a lot of cultures, like those that believe in polygamy, which means a marriage that includes more than one partner. It could also affect other nontraditional relationships. There are also a lot of religious groups that don’t believe in gay marriage, like Christians, Catholic Churches, Islam’s, and American Baptist Churches. This may lead to churches being forced to marry couples and children being taught in school that gay marriage is the same as opposite-sex marriage. What kind of message are you setting for your children? Its one thing for a person to be homosexual, but for them to teach their children that is okay when it’s not. Those who are homosexual and are in a relationship, at some point in time want kids. When they raise this child, are they going to teach him/her right from wrong or are they going to teach him/her that it’s okay to have a relationship with someone of the same sex? Homosexual behavior is unhealthy. Even if homosexual activity was just as healthy as sex between a man and a woman, gay marriage should still be opposed because...

Words: 724 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Gay Marriage

...Name Professor English1301 22, October 2013 Gay Marriage Gay marriage has slowly become a significant factor amongst individuals of today's society. Similarly, this leads to the discussion of homosexuals having the right to marry in society. Ultimately, conflict from the opposing position of ‘against’ gay marriage may arise that gay marriage can destroy the concept of marriage and mock the importance of procreation as presented in Charles Colson's "Gay Marriage: Societal Suicide". In Katha Pollitt's "What's Wrong with Gay Marriage?", she appeals to the readers logic to convince them that gay couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to marriage, while Charles Colson also uses logic to emphasize his argument, though it is not as strong as Pollitt's. Marriage has been justified as a religious and legal commitment between man and woman, through the expression of love. Specifically, in relation to origins of marriage as it is the traditional building block of human society, further steps should not be taken to define the term marriage as it is already set in framework that it is known to be kept as man and woman. This concept of man and woman reiterates through the concept of how gay marriage could affect families and children that are involved within homosexual relationships. Firstly, in relation to the idea of forming a family with homosexual parents becomes unnatural as homosexual parenting represents an attempt to disrupt that ‘natural’...

Words: 992 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Same Sex Marriage

...Same Sex Marriage and Religion In the 21st century, the controversial debates about the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) community and their rights are becoming more and more common in the media. Over millennia, same sex relationships have transformed from a socially accepted way of living in ancient times, to a social taboo with the birth of Christianity, and finally into a widely accepted way of living in the 21st century. Most sources of media, especially television shows have embraced this evolution and have become supporters of the LGBT community, these shows include some of the most popular series around the world such as Glee, Pretty Little Liars, Doctor Who, Grey’s Anatomy, and many more. Furthermore, many influential people are part of or advocates for the LGBT community. For instance, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Ellen DeGeneres and many more. Today I will talk about the history of LGBT rights and evaluate the supporting arguments and opposing arguments of this topic in today’s society by assessing a host of different media sources, including newspaper articles, magazine articles, and documentaries. First of all, I will present the history of LGBT rights and assess to what extent society has changed its views and ideas on this subject. The first evidence found on same sex couples were found in Egyptian hieroglyphics and old Mesopotamian records which demonstrated same sex relationships were accepted in their community. (Eskridge) Although this...

Words: 1890 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Gay Marriage

...numerous opinions and standing views on gay marriage. The argument regarding gay marriage should be legalized or not is extremely controversial. According to an article from the Human Rights Campaign, there is nothing wrong with allowing homosexuals to have the same rights as those who are heterosexual. Every individual person should be granted equal rights, regardless of sexuality. Gay marriage should be legalized in all states and countries, it has been held off for too long. Moreover, there are several reasons why homosexuals feel strongly about wanting to be legally married. One reason that is most commonly heard is, they want to legally show their love for each other by having a marriage license. Homosexuals want the right to marry like anybody else, and for the same reasons too. They are in love and want to spend their lives with this person. Even though it is possible to do this without being married; “they want to honor their relationship in the greatest way our society has to offer” (90). There be no reason two people cannot marry despite their sexuality. If a man and woman get to marry because they love each other, what is the difference between a man and a man or a woman and a woman wanting to marry because, they love each other? Also, another cause why homosexuals want the right to marry their spouse is because they are being cheated of rights. Although, two people love each other, if they cannot marry they are losing rights. Marriage gives both spouses benefits, “same-sex...

Words: 1710 - Pages: 7