...Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Under section 3 of this law the federal government defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman and defines a spouse as a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife. Under section 2 of this law no state is required to recognize as a marriage a same-sex relationship that is considered a marriage in another state. This law also prevents the federal government from recognizing the validity of same-sex marriages. Section 3 of DOMA was designed by people who have fear and/or hatred towards homosexuals and that makes it unconstitutional. DOMA violates the constitutional right of married same-sex couples to equal protection under the law and reverses the federal government's long history of allowing states to set their own marriage laws. From the very founding of our nation, the definition of marriage has been understood to be a state rather than a federal responsibility. Before 1996 if a couple was legally married under state law they were married for purposes of federal law. Most aspects of marriage are still up to the states such as whether common law marriage is recognized or the age of marriage without parental consent. States even have different rules on the requirements of terminating a marriage. Why are these issues still left up to the states and why are they trying only to determine whether your sex should matter if you want to marry someone? DOMA does not prohibit states from legalizing same-sex marriage but it...
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...Argument #1: That same-sex marriage would destroy the institution of marriage. Point by point: * The Scandinavian studies to which the article presumably refers are the work of right-wing author Stanley Kurtz, who attempted to prove that same-sex marriage decreased the rate of heterosexual marriage in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. This work has been discredited; see the last paragraph on this page for a summary explaining why. * The often-quoted reference from Romans 1:29-32 omits the following verse, Romans 2:1, which reads "Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things." * No credible study has ever found that children are negatively impacted by being raised in a lesbian or gay household. * Argument #2: That if same-sex marriage is legalized, polygamy will follow. * Even if this concern had a rational basis, a simpler solution to this problem would be to propose a constitutional amendment banning polygamy--which would be easily ratified--rather than fooling around with an anti-gay constitutional amendment that only one-third of Americans support. * Argument #3: That same-sex marriage would make heterosexual divorces too easy. * No, seriously. The article actually describes this as an "even greater objective of the homosexual movement" than the legalization of same-sex marriage proper. The article makes no real attempt...
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... SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Marriage is considered an important aspect of community and culture. It is a right that is not given without serious consideration. Marriage comes with all types of benefits. Property rights, tax related rights, social security benefits, joint parenting and adoption, and estate planning to name a few. Also signifies a couple’s commitment to one another. The right to marriage should be available to all United States citizens. Regardless of sexual orientation. Gays and lesbians (homosexuals) should be able to marry and have the same rights and privileges as heterosexuals. Same-sex marriage is the union of two people of the same gender. Same-sex marriage is a constitutional and human right. In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled marriage as “A fundamental importance to all individuals and the most important relation of life.” The federal government goes by the constitution. The constitution doses not discuss or deal with same-sex marriage directly. Therefore, the federal government doses not recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples are hoping to get federal and state benefits alongside heterosexual couples. The ones against same-sex marriage believe the gays and lesbians (homosexuals) have done something wrong and should be denied the rights and privileges that come with marriage. They think the idea of legalizing same-sex marriage would put the whole idea of marriage a risk of being redefined entirely. While, individuals for same-sex marriage believe...
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...Same-Sex Marriage Bernard Randall-Jones American Intercontinental University Online Abstract Same-sex marriage, also commonly referred to as Gay marriage, is a very hotly contested issue that divides a great number of people throughout the world. In this argumentative essay, the topic is explored by three of its main arguments. The first exploration of this topic will involve the ability of same-sex couples to parent as effectively as their heterosexual counterparts. Next, the legal issues surrounding same-sex marriage are explored. Lastly, the religious arguments are evaluated. Both sides of the argument for and against same-sex marriage are discussed while the reader is given a respect for the position of supporting marriage equality. Same-Sex Marriage Traditionally, marriage has been defined as both a religious and civil institution that has been afforded to one man and one woman in the promise of love. Modern, more liberal ideologies have challenged this view. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people have been at the forefront of championing the cause for the right to expand the definition of marriage to allow everyone to enjoy the same rights and privileges, without discrimination, as their heterosexual counterparts. Amongst the privileges that they seek are to love, honor and cherish their spouses in equal recognition to their heterosexual counterparts. This paper argues that LGBT people should be allowed to marry because homosexual couples...
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...Same-Sex Marriage and Tradition Nancy Messer University of Phoenix Business Communications and Critical Thinking COM275 Fernando Gutierrez-Rueda November 01, 2012 Same Sex-Marriage and Tradition Gay marriage violates tradition. The definition of “tradition”, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a “long-established custom or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another”. It has been a long-established custom and belief that marriage should only exist between a man and a woman. “A central point of contention in the national debate over same-sex marriage is the importance of preserving tradition. Opponents of such bans argue that tradition is an illegitimate justification for the bans, while defenders of traditional marriage contend that tradition is not only a legitimate justification, but is in fact sufficiently important to withstand heightened judicial scrutiny.” (Ford-Mazrui, 2011, para. 1) Society divides themselves based on class: income, religion, finances, ethnicity, etc.; the majority holding control over the minority since the beginning of time. There is and always will be some group of minorities that are segregated. Traditionally, most cultures have defined marriage as a unification of one man and one woman, but tradition has a dark history. Tradition includes the ownership of slaves, incongruous treatment of workers, and the denial of rights to women. The abolishment of slavery, the women’s rights movement, and civil rights proved that...
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...Gay Marriages Priscilla Reyes Sociology 120: Introduction to Ethics & Sociology Kathleen Miller March 10, 2013 Gay marriages, I don’t believe in gay marriages only in marriages between a man and woman. I know that a lot of gays or lesbians are trying to get the Supreme Court to approve same sex marriage. In California, the Supreme Court is trying to get same sex marriages ban nationwide. The gay and lesbian are using the law to have the same sex marriages pass and there have been about 3 states like Maine, Maryland, and Washington that have passed the same sex marriage. In other states like Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Rhode Island, Minnesota, and New Jersey are against the same sex marriage. I don’t think that it should change what marriage is referring to between two men or two women; it is based on a man and woman marrying in holy matrimony. This is stated in the Bible and thru the standard government law and constitution. The government shouldn’t change the law of the constitution or the bill of rights because of same sex marriages. The gays and lesbians want the same rights as a man and a woman do when they get married, for instance if the significant other happens to pass away the significant other would inherited what their significant other left behind. It is not the same when a man inherited his wife life insurance policy or the wife inherits her husband’s life insurance. Marriage should only be between a man and a woman not two men or two women getting...
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...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 Rights Campaign Foundation, states that marriage is not only an important religious meaning but it is also a legal contract. This...
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...freely define what the word marriage means. The majority of the states continued to define marriage as the union between man and woman, however, some still opposed this controversial definition of marriage. In recent years, the debate of homosexuality and same sex marriage has become even more of a hot topic due to the media, politics, and society in general. So, what does the definition of marriage mean to an individual? Christian conservatives say that marriage is strictly the formal union between man and woman. However, some general Christians may argue that marriage means to live a happy and joyful life with an intimate partner regardless of gender. Within these countless arguments about banning same sex marriages are the small but controversial topics that heat up the debate even more. The biggest issue that fuel the fire even more are the constant debates regarding the definition of the word “marriage”, people around the world have different definitions of the word marriage based on their environments, religion, and other external sources. Another issue that debaters, politicians, and people of the country are constantly debating and arguing about is the concept that can be simply put as “is homosexuality natural?”, believe it or not this one question is the most debated and argued topic between people who oppose same sex marriage and people who approve of same sex marriage. The final issue is the disagreement of the pros of same sex marriage, every time there is a positive...
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...Same Sex -Marriage What comes to one’s mind when he or she hears same-sex marriage? Same sex marriage or gay marriage is the union of two people from the same-sex. In the United States marriage is approved, currently five states have legalized same-sex by vote to the State Legislature. The issue has been controversial, because for many people same-sex-marriage is considered immoral. Most religions see homosexuality as abnormality because of their religious believes. In the article “Gay Marriage, an Oxymoron” by Lisa Schiffren. In the article she claims that the basis for society to develop and support marriage is for people to engender and raise children in the normal form. Her allegation is that is that same-sex marriage should not be legalized because making it legal will change the definition society gives marriage, giving it a different definition that will try to make same-sex marriage equivalent to heterosexual marriage. Schifrin fails to argue in her article based on the following subjects of discussion: religion, the importance of children in marriage, the fairness of legal benefits. First Lisa Schifrin brings out religions, more specifically Judeo-Christians claims that the concept of same-sex marriage is contradictory. In her article she express in her writing. “Same-sex marriage” is inherently incompatible with our culture’s understanding of the institution. Marriage is essentially a lifelong compact between a man and a woman committed to sexual exclusivity...
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...Arguments in Regards to Traditional Marriage Angela Richardson PHI 103 Informal Logic John Ludes April.27 2015 Arguments in Regards to Traditional Marriage There are a lot of arguments in regards to traditional marriage and allowing same-sex marriage. This essay will review an argument in regards to the stance on not changing traditional marriage and will also provide a counterargument argument on the stance of not changing traditional marriage. This essay will also evaluate and identify the different components of both arguments. There has been a lot of debate in regards to whether traditional marriage should stay in tack or if it should be alltraled. The first argument we will review is against any changes to traditional marriage and that it should remain between a man and a woman. This argument consists of the idea that marriage should stay between a man and a women in order to produces and raise children together and that if marriage is changed it will no longer benefit society as it was originally designed. The argument also states keeping traditional marriage intact does not conflict with everyone’s liberty. One of the biggest premises the argument hold is that “Marriage exists to bring a man and a woman together as husband and wife to be father and mother to any children their union produces” (para. 8). This premise is based on the fact that it requires a man and a woman to produce a child and the belief that every child does better when raised by a mother and father...
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...The topic of same sex marriages has flooded our headlines for many years, particularly whether or not it should be legalized. This highly controversial subject has been one that has been very difficult for many people to accept. So imagine that you were in love with someone and you were told you that you couldn’t marry that person. How would that make you feel and what if this was someone you absolutely could not live without? What would you do? These are questions that many people in our society face every day just because of their sexual orientation. Although controversial, the right to marry should be afforded to everyone regardless of sexual orientation. When we look at the legal definition of marriage, according to the Oxford Dictionary, marriage is “the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.” (Oxford Dictionary, 2013) However, in a changing society, where past cultural norms are no longer the norm, this definition should change to fit the times. When it comes to same sex marriages, homosexuals are making great progress in obtaining the same rights as heterosexuals. Just this year, the US Supreme court provided one of the biggest victories of all by striking down parts of the Defense Marriage Act that once denied same sex couples the same benefits that are provided to heterosexual spouses. There are currently only 13 states, which include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire...
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...election. This proposition added a section to the California Constitution providing “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” (Wohlsen & Hoag, 2009). Voting yes and getting the win on Proposition 8 will define marriage in California (to mean only) a union between one man and one woman. Yes will add exactly 14 words to the California State Constitution: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Voting no on Proposition 8 will define marriage in California( to mean) a union between any two people regardless of gender, which would include same-sex couples (Wohlsen & Hoag, 2009). Clearly, the effects of this vote will be far-reaching and long lasting. Advocates of Proposition 8 urge people to consider many consequences prior to voting. The following will explore counter arguments effecting these consequences and show that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional as it “violates the due process and equal protection rights of gays and lesbians under the U.S. Constitution by denying them the right to marry the person of their choice and by singling them out for disparate treatment without a legitimate rationale” (Ashby, 2010). Same Sex Marriage: Overturn Ban on Same Sex Marriage in California An Argument to Vote No on Proposition 8 During the hearing, it was argued that Propositions 8’s withdrawal of the right of marriage from gays and lesbians was unconstitutional as it violates their civil rights. The reason...
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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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...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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...In Defense Of Traditional Marriage Gisela Ascanio PHI 103 Informal Logic Noel Sauer 2 July 2015 We are going to discuss the article “in defense of traditional marriage.” In addition we will go over the argument that was addressed, the conclusion and premises we found to support it as well as explain whether it was a deductive or inductive component. Then, we will have a counterargument, with the original argument presented, provide conclusion, premises and define whether it was a inductive/deductive component and why. In the article “In defense of traditional marriage” it talks about upholding the traditional sense of marriage between a man and a woman. To keep the sacred bond between a man and a woman who will be bear children and raise them together in the union that the government and god acknowledges as marriage. The reason this is being brought up is because same sex unions are requesting that their partnerships be acknowledged as marriage and it be redefined in a sense so when they get married they too will receive the same benefits a man and wife would. Next, we will be going over the argument in the article. After reading the article, it’s easy to notice the writer is very traditional and not so open minded to the possibilities of what has been presented, to give same sex marriage the same meaning and rights of a heterosexual marriage. In the writer’s eyes the reason marriage exists is to bring a man and woman together to become a mother and father to the children that...
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