Same_Sex_Marriage

Same-Sex Marriage Kenneth Mullet PHI 103 Instructor: Sauer August 1, 2011 Same-Sex Marriages Same-sex marriages and unions are forbidden in most countries. However, many homosexual couples establish long-term relationships that are similar to marriage (Brown, 2011). Same-sex marriage is becoming more common. In the early 2000’s, the movement for gay marriage intensified in the United States and other countries (Hader-Markel, 2011). In 2004, same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. A federal judge in California overturned the state’s ban of same-sex marriage on August 4, 2010, ruling it unconstitutional. Several other states have also legalized same sex-marriage in 2009 and 2010. Most recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in that state (Hader-Markel, 2011). However, should homosexuals be allowed to marry' There are several views and opinions on the subject. Many people and organizations support gay marriage, and many groups and religions oppose the act. The movement for gay rights began a campaign for the legislation of marriage between homosexuals and lesbians. They claim, “civil marriage brings with it financial and social advantages which ought to be available to all, regardless of their sexual orientation” (Gay Marriage, 2007). Same-sex marriage, or civil unions, has recently gained support from some conservatives and Republicans. Libertarian conservatives such as Andrew Sullivan agree that same-sex marriage would promote a stable family environment for gays and lesbians and discourage promiscuity (Rasmussen, 2010). In 2004, a court ruling of the Ontario and Quebec Supreme Courts in Canada required that the federal government grant full marriage rights to same-sex couples within two years (Gay Rights and Movements, 2005). Canada now recognizes common-law marriages between same-sex couples. Marriage in Canada is defined as the “lawful union of two persons” (Gay Rights and Movements, 2005). This legalizes same-sex marriage throughout the country. Opponents of gay rights question whether lesbians and gays have a legitimate claim to certain legal protections. They believe that rather than civil rights, gays and lesbians want “special rights”. Some argue that civil marriage owes its privileges to another and deeper union, which is the religious sacrament from which it borrows its clothes, and that this sacrament binds man and woman for life (Gay Marriage, 2007). Many who oppose gay rights believe that homosexuality is not a characteristic present at birth, but rather a personal choice (Hader-Markel, 2011). Public sentiment is still very much opposed to same-sex marriage. Civil unions performed in some states are not recognized in other states. While same-sex marriages have occurred throughout history, they have been neither frequently practiced nor universally accepted (Mandell, 2010). If a person loves someone of the same gender, and the other person feels the same, then there should not be an issue with same-sex marriage. The same commitments can be made in a homosexual relationship that can be made in a heterosexual relationship. Marriage should be defined as the “lawful union of two persons” as it is in Canada. Monogamy and familial stability are more important goals than maintaining marriage as a heterosexual institution (Rasmussen, 2010). Many people, groups, organizations, and religions are for or against same-sex marriage. In the past decade, many states have legalized same-sex marriages or civil unions. The United States and Canada saw the rise of gay rights movements at almost the same time. However, Canada has accomplished more in terms of equality of rights for same-sex partners (Gay Rights and Movements, 2005). The certainty of same-sex marriage will continue to be strongly debated. References Brown, S. L. (2011). Marriage. World Book Advanced. World Book, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011. From http://www.worldbookonline.com Gay Marriage (2007). In Palgrave Macmillan Dictionary of Political Thought. Retrieved July 26, 2011. From http://www.credoreference.com/entry/macpt/gay_marriage Gay Rights and Movements (2005). In Iberia and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History Retrieved July 30, 2011. From http://www.credopreference.com/entry/abcibamrle/ gay_rights_and_movements Hader-Markel, D. P. (2011). Gay Rights Movement. World Book Advanced. World Book, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011. From http://worldbookonline.com Mandell, A. (2010). In Encyclopedia of American Studies. Retrieved July 26, 2011. From http://www.credoreference.com/entry/jhueas/marriage Rasmussen, C. E. (2010). In Culture Wars: An Encyclopedia of Issues, Viewpoints, and Voices. Retrieved July 27, 2011. From http://www.credoreference.com/entry/sharpecw/same_ sex_marriage