Legalization of Same Sex Marriage

Legalization of Same Sex Marriage

Gay marriage is one of the most controversial social issues in the United States. The controversy about homosexuality originates from religion. Conservatives believe that a relation between a man and another man, or a woman and a woman is against human nature, and against God’s will. This argument is based on the belief that the natural purpose of a sexual relationship between a man and a woman is procreation which can’t be attained through same sex marriage. They also believe that allowing gay marriages represents a threat to society, and the institution of marriage which they argue has already been weakened by a 50% divorce rate, and should not face any more threats. Another argument opponents to same sex marriage bring up is children and the environment they grow up in, they believe that homosexual parents can’t provide a stable, natural environment. first children are denied the right to have a father or a mother figure, which is unfair and is not in their best interest, also because homosexuality is still not accepted by all, children of homosexuals risk being bullied, and harassed by their peers, and can get confused about gender roles in society. Another fear opponents to the matter express is the fact that they are afraid the fabric of society will be destroyed; once the door is opened for same sex marriage they think that the door to polygamy will be opened as well.

Advocates of same sex marriage think it is hypocritical to deny gay and lesbian people marriage; it is against the constitution and the values the American society was built on. It is against equality and the respect of individual freedom. Advocates also consider it unfair to allow some to get married and deny that right to others just because they are not conform to tradition and religion, a religion that they may or may not believe in. Advocates of gay marriage argue that if the main argument against homosexuality is the fact that procreation can’t happen, it is logical then to deny people who are sterile marriage too. Advocates argue that all human beings are equal and have the right to choose who to be with, and seek happiness. The government should have no interference in such decision and absolutely no power over it. If people by law should not be discriminated against because of their race, gender, and color, then why is it legal to be discriminated against because of one’s sexual orientation?

In the last ten years, the controversy between the two parties reached a national interest, and a third solution to the matter had to be found. On July 1, 2000, Vermont became the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between gay and lesbian couples. The state Supreme Court acknowledged that denying gay couples the benefits of marriage was unconstitutional discrimination.

Civil Unions came as an alternative to marriage with the benefit to entitle