...Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legalized? The Merriam-Webster defines marriage as, “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 (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage. Even Merriam-Webster has included same sex marriage in its definition, so why is society not willing to accept this union. Is it religious beliefs or personal belief that makes people take opposing sides? Does involving children into the equation change a person’s views? Marriage is based on the mutual love and respect of two people who decides to spend the rest of their lives together, why does government have the right to impose on that love? Homosexuality and Christianity is a continuous debated throughout churches all across the world. Many churches still refuse to allow homosexuals to enter their sanctuary. Christians believe that homosexuality is a choice and that it is a forgivable sin, if the homosexual changes their ways God will erase the past transgressions. Many churches have different views on homosexuality. While the United Church of Christ, allows its homosexual members to become ordained ministers, while Pentecostals are against same-sex marriages and won’t allow pastors that are homosexuals. The debate continues. There are numerous passages in the Bible that denounce homosexuality. One particular verse, I Corinthians 6:9...
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...Should same-sex marriage be legalized federally with all states required to comply? As of Feb. 9, 2015, gay marriage has been legalized in 37 U.S states. Twenty-seven percent of Americans thought same-sex marriage should be legal in 1996, according to a Gallup Poll. Fifty-five percent of Americans think it should be legal in 2014, according to the same poll. Legalizing same-sex marriage could have benefits related to an economic boost and the sanctity of marriage. Another reason it should be legal is because marriage is not only a human right, but it is also a civil right. I don’t see why the other 13 states shouldn’t be required to comply with the legalization of same-sex marriage. Many argue that the legalization of same-sex marriage would require more government spending and less revenue, but that is incorrect. The country’s economy would benefit from the legalization of same-sex marriage. The legalization of same-sex marriage has been proven to provide an economic boost to those states and countries that have made same-sex marriage legal. Government revenue from marriage comes from marriage licenses, higher income taxes in some circumstances, and decreases in costs for state benefit programs. Allowing gay couples to marry provides businesses in this industry with a large and new market to access. Nearly $260 million was injected into the New York City economy in the year following the legalization of same-sex marriage. Gay marriage tourism benefits those states which...
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...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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...Prostitution: To Legalize or Not To Legalize? Many Americans believe that prostitution should be illegal. Out of 3,143 counties in 50 states, only eleven counties in Nevada allow legalized prostitution; the other three thousand have denounced the practice as criminal (“100 Countries”). Why have so many legislations ruled prostitution as illegal? Because in today’s society, the majority believes that prostitution takes away women’s control over their own bodies, subjects them to abuse and violence, and spreads sexually transmitted diseases. However, if we dig deeper into the issue, we find that legalizing prostitution may actually be more beneficial than not legalizing. What’s the Common Argument? The common argument supported by most Americans is that prostitution should be illegal due to its negative implications on women and society. Prostitution Takes Away Women’s Rights According to a report on human trafficking and prostitution funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, 80% of prostitutes feel that they have been involuntarily coerced into working in the industry (Guttery). Prostitution forces women to sell their bodies into slavery—once they enter the industry, they are subject to their buyer’s every will and whim. Prostitution Causes Violence and Abuse Furthermore, due to the nature of their work, women in the prostitution industry suffer many injuries, including broken bones, concussions, chronic pelvic pain, and extreme stress and trauma (Raymond). The severity...
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...Lam Ka Kiu(54390709) Should same sex marriage be legalized in Hong Kong Legalizing same sex marriage(also known as gay marriage,a kind of marriage between people of the same sex) has long been a controversial issue.It is said that gay people should enjoy the same right as ordinary people while the others think that marriage should be between a man and a woman.I aim to explore whether same sex marriage should be legalized in Hong Kong.It is my belief that same sex marriage should be legalized. Everyone should have the right to love others and be loved,even for the same sex couples.All of us are equal and it applies to marriage as well.1,138 benefits, rights and protections are provided for married couples in Federal law"(Members of The...
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...Gay Marriage Research Paper Did you know that only 17 states in the United States have officially legalized gay marriage? Some of these states include: California Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Maryland became the first state to pass a statute banning marriage between same-sex couples on January 1st, 1973. Then, President Bill Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) into law on September 21st, 1996. The DOMA mandates unequal treatment of legally married same-sex couples. 3 years later, California becomes the first state to create a domestic partnership statute, on September 22, 1999 allowing same-sex couples to receive some, but not all, of the protections afforded by marriage. (History and Timeline of the Freedom to Marry in the United States). Gay marriage should be legalized in all states because it will boost the economy, it will provide health benefits for the couples , more children will get adopted, and because it can allow same-sex couples to visit their spouse in case they are at the hospital. Making gay marriage legal will boost the economy for sure. Why you ask? It is because the more marriages there are, the more money the state earns. Same-sex couples spend at an average of $9,039 on their weddings, while 31% spent $10,000 dollars or more. New York statistics show that after the first year of legalizing gay marriage, they gained $259 million dollars. (CNNMoney) . Also, according to a 2005 Stanford study cited by the Fiscal Times...
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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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...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 to marry. Also it is legal in six Us...
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...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 is because marriage by its nature provides the normal, stable, affectionate and moral conditions for the upbringing of the children. This helps in completing the nation and strengthening the society and making the state stronger. Same sex marriages or...
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...Alijoski Professor Osborne WRT 101 21 October 2012 Signify Our Wedding Ring In today’s world, many controversial issues are discussed such as abortion, prostitution, and homosexuality. Same sex marriage has been debated in various countries for many years. This issue brings wide concern to moral and human rights. In earlier times, same-sex marriages were evidential tolerated in parts of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt as shown in artifacts found. The Western world was known for being very accepting of same-sex relationships and unions, which is revealed in Greek paintings. People who are against gay marriage primarily focus on the moral aspect of gay marriage. Supporters of gay marriage think about same-sex couples and the positive effects it can have on them and our society. Gay marriage should be legalized in all states because it is their civil right, it increases family value which leads to an increasing rate in adoption, and same sex marriages stimulate the economy through financial increase. People who are non-supporters of gay marriage believe it goes against the moral and definition of marriage. In Market Watch magazine (2008), many people believe that gay marriages destroy the value of family and tradition. Furthermore, same sex marriage completely goes against major religions such as Catholicism and Islam. However, people do not realize that civil and religious marriages are distinct and separated. Joe Solmoneses, the president of the Human...
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...http://www.ctfamily.org/editorial10.html Same Sex Parenting Fails Children By Brian S. Brown http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage ------------------------------------------------- Same-sex marriage http://www.pbs.org/newshour/businessdesk/2013/03/the-economic-benefits-of-gay-m.html The Economic Benefits of Gay Marriage By M.V. Lee Badgett http://www.truenews.org/Homosexuality/same_sex_marriage_talking_points.html Same Sex Marriage Talking Points by Dr. James C. Dobson Introduction marriage is a sacred thing when the two people decided to tie the knot in the presence of religion and the law to create a a new family. but nowadays, same sex marriage is become a part of marriage. It was already legalized by 11 countries in the world, and there are also several countries that proposed legal recognition of same sex marriage and it was pending in the legislative house. Many countries in the world are forbidding the same sex marriage because there are many consideration to be taken and it is against various provisions such as culture and tradition embraced by the community, trust, and also the public mindset. Thesis statement although there are many countries against same sex marriage, but there are evidence that same sex marriage is beneficial to many society in this world because every people have their civil rights. Argument 1 many people believe that same sex marriage should not be legalized because it goes against moral. there are many conflicts...
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...Gay couples should be allowed the right to get marry because they are human beings too. They deserve to be happy and marry whom they love. They have the rights as the heterosexual couples. It has become more egalitarian, and it is considered to be a human right. Marriage should be made available to couples regardless of their genders. Many people say it might be against many religious beliefs. There's a lot of people that are too afraid to let people know what their sexual choices are. The same sex marriage has been a widely debated in many countries for a very long time. It's a really important issue because it concerns basic moral and human rights. Theres many gay couples have come out and expressed their sexuality choices. Although there's a lot of people the think it should be legalized. There's also a huge number...
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...Same Sex Marriage Today, the civil union between two males or two females is incredibly controversial, especially in the United States. There is ongoing debate regarding whether or not this type of marriage should be considered legal. Various legal, social, and religious groups have vocalized their stance on this issue. There are some people that feel strongly that same sex marriage should be banned as it may have a negative impact on society. Others believe that church and state should be kept separate and that same sex unions should be legal. All opinions aside, I believe that the general public needs to be more informed about same sex marriage to oppose or support this issue at hand. Certain groups oppose the view of legalizing same sex marriage. It can be seen that gay marriage is “wrong” due to social issues. Some feel uncomfortable with the sight of a same sex couple in public. In my opinion, these people need to be less close-minded and more accepting of individuals different than them. One cannot be expected to meet the same situations over and over again in his or her daily life. Others believe that homosexual unions should be banned due to religious reasons. Many cite that the Bible specifically forbids its followers from engaging in same sex coupling. The Bible is a good guide for how one should live many aspects of his or her life. However, one should note that not everything in the Bible should be taken literally as the “word of God”; there is a strong possibility...
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...Same-Sex Marriage and Its Affect on Society April 9, 2011 Same-Sex Marriage and Its Affect on Society Gay marriage is a highly controversial topic that has caused violence, tears, confusion, debate, and unhappiness, and action towards the gay equality movement. The United States stresses how everyone is equal and everyone has the same rights, but if that were true, why are gays and lesbians not allowed to get married. In the recent years, the concept of same-sex marriage has become quite the controversial issue. Many lawsuits, law amendments, and debates of occurred because of this issue. It has not only caused pain to those who are affected by these laws, but it has caused hatred for both those who are affected and those who believe that same-sex marriage should not happen. There are many benefits to same-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage decreases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases amongst the gay community, increases adoptions, and is all about love; therefore same-sex marriages should be legalized. Gays and lesbians have been fighting hard for equality for many years now. Before the fight for same-sex marriage came about, discrimination against homosexuals was the current war that is still in process. In its earlier years, being gay was unacceptable. People had to hide who they truly were in order to avoid being beaten or bullied. During and after the wild 1960s, a lot of people were sleeping with multiple partners and even groups. This led to gays and lesbians...
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...Jessica C. Cruz PHI2604 Professor Anthony Kreider Gay Marriage “To Love and Be Loved” “Marriage should be a choice between a spouse and a spouse, not a gender and a gender.” (Hendrick Hertzberg) This quote cannot be expressed any better. It is not about gay marriage being legalized only in certain states, but rather being legalized, period! It is unethical allowing some people to marry, while others are being denied. The veil of ignorance is set upon many people when it comes to the decision of the legalization of gay marriage. Why should it matter if the couple is heterosexual or homosexual when it comes to making decisions for their other partner? Unmarried partners are denied the rights in making decisions with their partner, as well as being in a situation that only family can be in a certain place. Little by little insurance companies and many others are beginning to allow the partners of homosexual couples be put onto the other partners insurance, giving them the opportunity of help, as an illusion of marriage, although it is not legal to actually be married. What is marriage? One can look up the definition, but what marriage really is, is not what a dictionary shows. The meaning of marriage should be more obvious than what it is brought out to be. The true meaning of marriage consists of sexual intimacy (which both heterosexual and homosexual couples can achieve); the couple’s mutual effort in dealing with economic and domestic necessities of life, and it is most importantly...
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