Gay marriage is an issue that is heavily debated between two groups. One group feels that marriage is a human right and, as humans, gays are entitled to this right. The other group feels as though marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman, and allowing two people of the same sex would ruin the sanctity and meaning of marriage.If you were to look up the definition of "marriage" it says, "The formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife." This argument is often used by those against gay marriage. They feel that marriage is what the dictionary definition and the bible say it is: between a man and a woman, no exceptions. Another, more radical argument of this side is that homosexuality is a sin and that a religious ceremony such as marriage should not be used to join two sinners.
The opposing group's view is that marriage is a right and they feel that all humans are entitled to this right. This group feels that legalizing gay marriage is step toward achieving equality for all people. One argument from this group is that it does not say in the bible that homosexuality is a sin. They feel that people deemed sexuality a sin, not God.
There are some members of the group against gay marriage that feel that it is okay for gays to be united, but just not by marriage specifically. Some feel that it should be perfectly legal for gays to marry, but they should call it something else rather than "marriage". This belief gave way to the "domestic union". Some gays and advocates, however, do not support domestic unions due to the fact that partners in a domestic union do not recieve nearly the same rights and benefits as that of a married couple.
Religion has socially-constructed a lot of society's views on issues such as gay marriage. Although church and state are "separated", it is extremely difficult to prevent legal debates from being affected by religious views. This issue is on it's way to being resolved with more states deciding to legalize gay marriage, but there will always be a strong pull to keep marriage as it was.
I definitely agree that religion has constructed many peoples thoughts on gay marriage. I grew up in small town in northern Minnesota where Christianity has a strong influence over the majority of the population. It really opened my eyes to other beliefs when I moved to Minneapolis. One determining factor on the gay marriage debate is currently being experimented with in science. Scientists are trying to either prove or disprove that being gay is due to a biological factor. They believe it could result from a chemical/hormonal imbalance when a fetus is developing in a mother's womb. If this is proven to be true, I think a lot of people would begin to think differently about homosexuality. It will become a medical condition rather than a sin.
ReplyDeleteI agree also agree that religion is a major cause of peoples' views on gay marriage. I personally grew up in a Catholic family. We are by no means an extreme Catholic family but we still believe in the Catholic faith. However, I believe that gay marriage should be illegal. I think everyone should have the right to marry the person they love. I also think that it is important to note that there are people, like me, who believe that gay people don't choose to become gay. There are simply born that way. Based on the prejudices they face I find it very hard to believe that someone would choose that life style.
ReplyDeleteI am a strong believer in equality and to see people, who under god, tarnish the words "love thy neighbor" where to love others you must allow them to have equal opportunities as yourself. But why do people get to chose who gets what and who doesn't? I believe that religion plays too much a part in not only gay marriage but many other issues as well. Who's to say abortion is right or wrong. Why is it better to believe in The Bible, God, and Jesus Christ, over any other religion? I'm sure "love thy neighbor" was never meant as love thy neighbor only if they are one of us. I just feel that even in government where everything is suppose to be color blind religion still has an effect on the legal values of mankind.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link that I used in my post this week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VnEexIhBTU&feature=related
ReplyDeleteI mentioned this topic in my post too and I think it is really a matter of civic issues. People, no matter how, should have their own rights to choose their ways of life. I hope that everyone can get over their aversions to what they oppose for silly, irrational reasons, based on ignorance and faulty assumptions. "With liberty and justice for all"