I think that gay marriage is not an issue that can be split into either right or wrong. Debates focus on legalizing gay marriage so that unions are recognized by states, which I support, but I think that realistically there is no compromise in sight. This argument is occurring between two different ideologies. Separation of church and state was mandated for a reason- there is no compromise between religion and law. It is not feasible to tell a person that their choice of religion, or their choice not to believe, is wrong. A person can believe that a homosexual’s soul is damned to hell because sexual relations “should” occur between a man and a woman, but a person can also believe that there is no distinction between the love of homosexuals or heterosexuals.
Although I believe that there is not a realistic solution in the near future, I believe that gay marriage should be legalized. Aside from the religious opposition commonly faced by the homosexual community, there are many benefits to legalizing gay marriage. Homosexuals would be able to enjoy the same benefits as married heterosexuals, including tax breaks, a recognized union, increased sexual security, and improved psychological well-being. Along with benefits to the relationship, if a homosexual couple has or adopts a child, there are benefits to the family structure if gay marriage is legalized. Children with married parents tend to perform better academically, participate in less criminal behavior, experience less poverty, and experience less abuse. I do not believe that there is a valid reason to deny these benefits to homosexuals and their families, but I cannot deny those that oppose gay marriage their beliefs. I think that there are solutions for those that oppose due to ignorance or lack of education, and those that are strongly religious or conservative should practice tolerance, but neither is highly likely.
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To Emily J from Emily B
ReplyDeleteI agreeeee!!!! I want gay marriage legalized very much. However, I don't think there should be a debate on it. If we're talking marriages recognized by states, it should be legalized automatically. Reasoning behind people against gay marriage is purely religious, and as you mentioned, there IS a seperation of church and state. Marriages don't solely happen in Christian and Catholic churches. I have been raised as a Unitarian Universalist, one of the few religions who supports gay marriages. When gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts I was happy to watch my friend's "moms" finally get married, after being together for seventeen years. Its a shame they had to wait that long... I strongly believe that gay marriage should be legalized.
To Emily J from Madi Vivian
ReplyDeleteI also agree very very much. My two best friends are gay, and although we live in Mass, where gay marriage is legalized, they may not live in this state when they grow up, and they are very upset about the prejudices and debate about them being able to get married. I don't know if you have ever heard of the "Dont H8" Campaign but there are many things and videos on youtube that celebrities have made that are hilarious and supporting the equal rights. It is specifically about gay rights (the yellow equal sign with a royal blue background) and they are a satire to the Californian Policy "8". Furthermore I just would like to say that I totally agree with both of you, and that no matter the sexual orientation of a couple--if they wish to be married they should be legally able to.
From Conor to Emily:
ReplyDeleteI agree as well with this topic. If two people are in love, what right do we have to stop them from being together? I don't understand why it HAS to be a man and a woman to get married. Love comes in all forms between all sorts of different people. We should not have the right to keep their love a part. This is just another case of discrimination. Our country has been discriminating against people as long as America has been founded for. We need to stop and see EVERYONE as equals.
And it amazes me to see that we actually voted to take rights away from a group of people in California's Prop 8. America was based on giving people freedom and independence to say what we want to say, write what we want to write, and believe what we want to believe in. Now we are taking these freedoms and rights away.