Same-Sex Marriage (Essay Sample)

Same-Sex Marriage
Student’s Name
University Affiliation
Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriages have brewed different views from various quarters of the society. The thought of a daughter or son exposing their sexual orientation to a parent is not an imagination any parent would enjoy. The marriage of people of similar gender is what many refer to as same-sex marriage or gay marriages. The religious fraternity has distanced itself from the fight against discrimination of same-sex marriages. A major concern is the moral implications of the impacts of same-sex marriage in the society.
Firstly, the rights of homosexuals should be respected. The main reason that gay marriages have faced much opposition is because of stereotyping by the society and the clergy. The reason most couples get married is not because they had a choice, they marry because of their sexual orientation (Mello, 2004). Homosexuals should not suffer because of their preferences. The United States should look into gay marriage rights and accord equal treatment even as religious leaders may oppose such advancements. The rest of the world is gradually accepting the fact that same-sex marriages should be acceptable and legal. The rights of couples in gay marriages are as sensitive as the rights of heterosexual couples (Mello, 2004).
Secondly, according to Leap (2004), the legal provisions on gay marriage should offer a smooth synchrony with other state laws. Most people have the obsolete notion that gay marriages and/or relationships are all about sex and promiscuity. However, this may not be true. Most partners in same-sex marriage share the same values found in the marriage institutions as their counterparts (Leap, 2004). The state does not recognize children adopted by same-sex couples, and this has caused a debate on the level of discrimination shown by the legal system. State laws also deny partners the opportunity to claim benefits in the case that one of them becomes deceased. The law should be reviewed so as to change the discriminating nature against children adopted by same-sex spouses.
Thirdly, a study by Harry and Lovely (1979) found that the arguments against same-sex marriages should be objective and without malice. An American citizen who pays taxes and respects the rule of law must be treated with equal rights regardless of their lifestyle. The sexual lifestyle of an individual should not make them less of a citizen. The religious society does not have to accept gay marriages but should at least listen to the concerns of same-sex spouses (Sterngass, 2012). Same-sex marriages have often attracted positive and negative criticisms with various arguments being propagated. Some argue that same-sex marriages do not offer a good environment for children to grow up in. A study by Vedantam (2000) established that marriage is for procreation and that gay marriages cannot offer children. The clergy have termed same-sex marriage as immoral and a damnation of the sacred nature of the institution of marriage. The laws of the state are the rules that make all citizens equal and tolerant. The formulation of these laws is not anchored on the bible or religious laws. Essentially, they are anchored on the spirit of democracy and fairness to all (Vedantam, 2000).
In conclusion, Halvorsen (1998) established that a same-sex marriage may be opposed by a section of the society that has its personal reasons. The society must reason with this minority group that also needs to access the same facilities as their counterparts. It is important that the U.S ensures that any form of discrimina...