Debate_on_Gay_Marriage

English Composition I 161 16 September 2012 A Critique of “A Debate on Gay Marriage” by Andrew Sullivan Same-sex marriages or “homosexuality” has become one of the most highly controversial topics in today’s society. One half of our population is in favor of “homosexuality”, while the other half strongly disagrees with the sexual orientation that others prefer. A debate titled “A Debate on Gay Marriage” had circulated. It states the supporting beliefs of the writer Andrew Sullivan from his book, “Virtually Normal: An Argument about Homosexuality” and rebutting arguments from William J. Bennett, a prominent cultural conservative, which appeared as an op-ed column in the Washington Post in May 1996. Andrew Sullivan wrote the article based on facts why gay people should be able to marry, and William Bennett, in his article, rebuts Sullivan’s pro-gay marriage arguments. The main topics that are being disputed are raising children in the same-sex household, the integrity of a marriage as a legal document, and the ability of churches to be accepting to the concept of same-sex marriages. According to Sullivan, “marriage is not simply a private contract; it is a social and public recognition of a private commitment” (Sullivan, 404), it should be available to any two citizens. He strongly believes that commitment among “heterosexuals” and “homosexuals” are identical, in respect, “the center of the public contract is an emotional, financial and psychological bong between two people (Sullivan, 404). Sullivan asserts that children that are raised by two homosexual partners are well adjusted as to children raised by traditional, heterosexual parents. Sullivan recognizes that many religious organizations are against homosexuality, but this country has a separation of church and state that makes that argument arbitrary in terms of legality. On the contrary, Bennett states that, “allowing same-sex marriages would do significant, long term social damages. Recognizing the legal union of gay and lesbian couples would represent a profound change in the meaning and definition of marriage” (Bennett, 409). By broadening the definition of marriage and consenting same-sex marriages, Bennett questions the controversy that will form by our society. Bennett disputes about homosexuals having the same right as heterosexuals in adopting children having knowing that a child being raised by mother and father is socially acceptable. Bennett indicated that “among worldwide cultures, where there are so few common threads, it is not a coincidence that marriage is almost universally recognized as an act meant to unite a man and a woman (Bennett, 410). I feel that the debate from both writers, Andrew Sullivan and William J. Bennett, provided appropriate arguments as to why same-sex marriages should and should not be made legal. In Sullivan’s article, he portrayed passion for stating his case on the equality and dignity for all citizens, mainly homosexuals. He fully committed himself to seek out that homosexuals have equal rights in marriage as to heterosexuals, having the same right in raising children, and being a role model for young gay individuals. He could have made a stronger point of view by citing creditable studies and sources. For example, Sullivan’s point of view of children being raised by “homosexual” partners, he could have conducted or cite several well-conducted study bearing his point of view. Sullivan’s point for the concern about the importance of legalizing gay marriages, he failed to cite a liable source. He indicated that “gay marriages were legalized, 90 percent of the political work necessary to achieve gay and lesbian equality would have been achieved” (Sullivan, 407). He never explained how or where the figure 90% was achieved. In general the issue of gay marriages is on the rise for many questions and concerns. I feel that here is nothing wrong if someone is a “homosexual” or “bi-sexual”. That person is still an individual that performs the daily routines that a “heterosexual” performs. Do I believe that society is against same-sex marriages' Yes. Do I agree with society of what is socially acceptable' No. I do believe that nothing is wrong with expressing affection towards a person that is the same sex. If the relationship does not pose a threat to society, it is acceptable in my beliefs. In conclusion, both Andrew Sullivan and William J. Bennett, presented different arguments of why gay marriages should and should not be legalized. However, there possess several similarities between the two essays, despite the conflicting viewpoints of the topic. Both authors discuss their interruption of what marriage is, which, is the union between a man and woman. Sullivan and Bennett also discuss of broadening the definition of marriage to include gay individuals. Also, they discuss the fact that people are against homosexuality due to religious viewpoints. No matter what your opinion is about gay marriages, it is the most controversial topic in today’s society. Works Cited: Sullivan, Andrew. “A Debate on Gay Marriages, For Gay Marriage”. Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. Eleventh Edition. Eds. Behrens, Laurence and Leonard J.Rosen. Boston: Longman, 2011. 404-407. Print. Bennett, William J. “A Debate on Gay Marriage, Against Gay Marriage”. Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. Eleventh Edition. Eds. Behrens, Laurence and Leonard J.Rosen. Boston: Longman, 2011. 409-411. Print.