...Same-sex Marriage: Liberals vs. Conservatives The political issue of same-sex marriage has become one of the most popular issues that our society has ever dealt with. Last year in 2012, it was considered one of the top political issues of the year. Same-sex marriage is the marriage of two people of the same biological gender and/or gender identity. Supporters of same-sex marriage will also use the term marriage equality when discussing same-sex marriage. Currently, there are countless amounts of people who are working to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S. There are also countless amounts of people who are against legalizing same-sex marriage. Should two people of the same sex be allowed to get married? Liberals and conservatives have two very different answers to that question. When discussing an ideology’s view on a certain topic, it is important to refer back to the core themes of that ideology. The core themes of liberalism are: the individual, freedom, reason, justice, and toleration. The core themes of conservatism are: tradition, human imperfection, organic society, hierarchy and authority, and property. When asking a liberal if same-sex marriage should be legalized, their answer would most likely be yes. Liberals believe that marriage is a union between two people that love each other. It should not matter if that marriage is between two people of the same sex as long as they love one another. To ensure equality for everybody, they believe that marriage...
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...In the United States, there is a lot of controversy over the issue of gay marriage. There are constant discrepancies between adamant believers in gay marriage and the political leaders of our country. The government’s refusal of the right of the marriage of homosexuals should not be tolerated. A large portion of people in America at the moment are utterly and completely against gay marriage, however there are also those who possess a more liberal view on the situation and feel differently towards the subject of equal treatment for all people. Religious beliefs often play a substantial role in the decision making process in many ways. For instance, Christian politicians are using their religious beliefs to impose their views and ideas upon people of their denomination. Christians believe that gay marriage shouldn’t be allowed because of the Bible entries that suggest that God made man and women for each other and that any other variation of this couple is a sin. Some feel that this country was founded on the beliefs of Christianity and therefore we should respect those ideals of our forefathers but this can no longer be the case. Our society has grown throughout the years and people have become more and more accepting of change. Every person has their own religious freedom to worship which ever God they see fitting and to believe in any cause they choose. There has been separation from church and state for many years...
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...them, you are told that for whatever reason (race, age, gender, etc), you are not legally allowed to marry that person. That is a situation facing many people in the United States today. They are being denied the right to marry the people they love based on their sexual orientation .This paper will discuss why same sex marriage should be legal, including why religion does not apply to the debate against same-sex marriage, the sanctity of marriage, and why homosexuals want to get married. Many people ask, why do same sex couples need to get married? In the United States same sex couples are only allowed to get married in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Some other states allow same sex couples to have a civil union, but civil union does not give the couple the same rights that a marriage does. By allowing same sex couples to get married, homosexuals will be given some rights that most heterosexual married couples take for granted, such as family medical insurance, the ability to visit their ill, injured, or otherwise hospitalized family members, and should one pass away, the rights to continue raising children they had together. Our constitution was written to allow the ability of laws to change, and over the years, many laws have changed, including the laws regarding marriages. For example before 1967, inter-racial couples were not allowed to get married, now not only are they allowed to get married, but no one bats an eyelash when it happens. The United States of America...
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...Legalizing Same 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...
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...4/27/2014 Instructor DiCarlo Same-Sex Marriage Is it wrong to deny someone the right to marriage because of their sex? Marriage has become the voice of true love in America, but some are not allowed to partake in because they are marrying someone of the same sex better known as same-sex marriage. Many people believe that one should be allowed to marry even if they are of the same sex because love knows no boundaries, only God can judge rightfully, and marriage is a scared vow between two individuals. Same-sex relationships are becoming a more popular trend in America now, even though there are citizens who don’t agree with it. Why do people get married? Love is! Marriage should be allowed between same sex couples because love knows no boundaries. No one in this world can help who they fall in love with, whether heterosexual or homosexual. As a teen growing up my mother has always told me “there is someone out there for everyone” and that statement is deemed to be true. Same sex couples seem to know a lot about true approval of their partner’s soul meaning they can find their soul mate. Love knows no boundaries because real love doesn’t care about race, color, or gender. (NeJaime, 2012) Who's to judge someone because of whom they love? Many preachers are opposed to same-sex marriages and they will not commence the marriage, because they feel as if God made man and woman to be married. Only God can rightfully judge someone and say that same sex marriage is wrong. Humans don’t...
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...Running Head: GAY MARRIAGE 1 Gay Marriage: Good or Bad? Terry Richmond SOC 120 Robert Gala Oct. 1, 2012 GAY MARRIAGE 2 Gay Marriage: Good or Bad? Some organizations will lead you to believe that if same-sex couples are allowed to marry it will further weaken the institution of marriage. However, two people of the same sex should be allowed to marry because it would give them basic rights such as hospital visitation, taxation, and access to family health coverage. Same-sex marriages could bring a huge financial gain to local and state governments in the form of marriage license fees, higher income taxes, and a decrease in state benefit program costs. If we continue to deny marriage to same-sex couples it will send the message that it is ok to discriminate against them. As some well-known anti-gay groups such as Focus on the Family diminish their stance on gay marriage, a core of smaller groups that are mostly religious motivated continue to demonize homosexuals...
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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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...Same-sex marriage: The many sides of legalization SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: THE MANY SIDES OF LEGALIZATION There is no doubt that the family is a vital social unit and that it is impressed with great social interest. For these two reasons alone, it is only justified that the preservation of families should be of paramount importance to the government. The government, therefore, must create laws and institute policies that will promote the welfare of families. It should see to it that families are kept away from all social evils that tend to destroy their foundation. At the heart of families, it is said, is the concept of marriage. If families are to be protected, it stands to reason that marriage should likewise be safeguarded. This begs the question: what should marriage be shielded from? One concern is the prospect of legalizing same-sex marriage. If same-sex marriage is finally legalized, it is said that it will initiate the decline of families. For one, it is said to gravely distort prevailing notions about parenthood. For another, it is against religious teachings. However, proponents of same-sex marriage counter the point by saying that same-sex marriage is beneficial to the concept of family since marriage will no longer be confined within repressive gender constructs. Same-sex couples will now be given the chance to raise their own family, adopting their own children or finding surrogate mothers or sperm donors if they choose to have their own kids. In the end, same-sex...
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...homosexual? What is homosexual marriage? Homosexual is defined as same-sex; meaning ‘sexually attracted only to people of the same-sex as oneself’ (Oxford Dictionary, 2000, p. 883). Homosexual marriage is between two same-sex partners’ also known as same-sex marriage. Homosexual marriage is illegal in some countries and states on a decade of a 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...
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...Same-Sex Marriage Argument Sarah Springstube PHI103 Informal Logic Instructor DeFusco August 4, 2014 Same-sex marriage has been an issue among society for many years. Not all people understand there is no ban on same sex-marriage nor is it illegal. In all fifty states there are couples of the same sex who live together, ones who choose their professional job to be in a workplace where joint benefits are offered, and ones who choose a religious community which accepts their relationship. Those who believe this is an issue and feel it should be illegal were likely raised to believe it is wrong to marry someone of the same gender. Whether these people in society were raised by what their religion believes or what their families have taught them to believe it is one’s own beliefs that determine a person to feel whether such an act as same-sex marriage is wrong or right. What’s at issue is whether the government will recognize such relationships as marriages—and then force every citizen, house of worship and business to do so as well. At issue is whether policy will coerce and compel others to recognize and affirm same-sex relationships as marriages (Anderson, 2013). The first premise in this argument; All same-sex couples have the right to be married, it is not illegal. Second premise; Same-sex couples need to be treated equal. This leads us to the conclusion. The conclusion is; Same-sex couples need government approval to be accepted in the public eye. After evaluating...
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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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...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 couples in long-term...
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...people believe that same-sex marriage will destroy or diminish the righteousness of marriage between a man and a woman. It is my true belief that same-sex marriage will have negative effects only on people who are extremely religious, or extremely afraid. Many religious sects have been ferociously fighting against the legalization of same-sex marriage. In every article, column, and essay that I have read there has yet to be one single individual, or group of people that are entirely against the legalization of same-sex marriage unless they are tied to a church. It is unfair and unconstitutional that same-sex couples that have been together for many years, lives together and may even have children are not allowed the same benefits of an opposite-sex marriage. Church and state are supposedly separate, until God fearing representatives of the U.S. decide that they are against an issue they may not like, or agree with and then, and only then, it is "ok" to instill the morals of the church into the state. The issue aforementioned has been strongly debated not only in individual states, but by the country as a whole. Most states (38 states total) have adopted laws and policies that allow the union of same sex couples and in a few instances even grant them marriage licenses, although they are not recognized by a single federal agency unless that license was granted in Massachusetts. In May of 2004, Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same sex marriage. In all states...
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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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...Marriage and Same-Sex Couples One of the leading political debates in our country today is the legalization of same-sex marriages. The very image of marriage is evolving on an on-going basis due to society and the major changes between society defined unions. In 2003 Webster’s Dictionary changed the definition of marriage to include same-sex marriage. Marriage, as per society, is a special event in almost everyone’s life. Marriage should be about getting married to someone you love. Marriage should be a natural event no matter what sex that person is. It is not just a piece of paper that binds you together; it also involves legal aspects, economic and social issues as well. The focus of this paper will be on these issues and how they are intertwined. When society first started discussing this issue they were set on the fact that it would destroy heterosexual marriage and that it would bring harm to everyone. It has been discussed on every major television program and/or channel. Almost everyone has an opinion on the subject but most will not support it with hard facts. According to revised estimates from the 2010 Census, there were 131,729 same-sex married couple households and 514,735 same-sex unmarried partner households in the United States. In the 2000 Census there were 594,391 households headed by same-sex partners and in 2011. Maggie Gallagher, co-author of “The Case for Marriage,” testified in front of the Senate that gay marriage activists are misrepresenting...
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