Legalize same sex marriages research paper examples

Abstract

The debate on the controversial issue about same sex marriages has raged on for quite a while. Proponents of the issue argue that legalization of same sex marriages upholds basic constitutional and human rights. They also argue that some people are born gay and add that if love is the ultimate reason that brings together parties intending to marry, then there is no need for states and the federal government to prohibit marriage between same-sex couples. In addition they state that same sex marriages stand to benefit the country financially through marriage licensing, reduced divorce and civil suit costs among others. Those opposed to same sex marriages have stated that it is against religious teachings of more than 87% of Americans; it is immoral to society as a whole but most importantly they categorically state that same sex marriages threaten the existence of the human race through reduced childbirths. In all, it is apparent that same sex marriages should be legalised because the reasons fronted in support of legalization by far outweigh those given in objection to the issue.

Introduction

The debate on same sex marriages has raged on for quite a while now. Though gay people have existed in the world for as long as human beings have graced the earth, it is the legalization of same sex marriages that has been the bone of contention in many societies (Lannuti, 6). The legalization of same sex marriages is an important human issue because it raises both basic moral and human rights concerns. In the recent past many gay couples have “ come out of the closet” or declared their sexual orientation and followed this up with increased clamour that they be allowed to marry under recognizable laws. As a result, more states in the US as well countries from different continents have legalized same sex marriages. According to information from the National Conference of State legislatures (NCSL), 16 states in the US had legalized same sex marriages in 2013 as opposed to one (Massachusetts) in 2004 (ncsl. org, 2013). Same sex marriages should be legalized because sexual orientation may not be someone’s deliberate choice and denial of the right to marry amounts to denial of human rights.
Same sex marriages allow people of diverse backgrounds and diverse sexual orientations to enjoy human and constitutional rights. Almost all constitutions in the world have a provision for human rights and freedoms. Olsen notes that this section commonly called the Bill of Rights allows individuals to associate and express themselves in several forms (36). When gay people are denied the right to be in legally recognized unions with their partners, they feel that their freedoms of association and expression are curtailed unnecessarily (Olsen, 36). There is evidence that sexual orientation may be a biological predisposition as opposed to choice as anti-gay rights activists posit. Several studies on the human brain functionality, hormones and genetic make-up of heterosexual versus homosexual people revealed that many of them were genetically predisposed to become gay (Meezan & Jonathan, 100). Though there have also been evidence to the contrary, it is clear that some people never choose to be gay and for the sake of such people, same sex marriages should be legalised.
Same sex marriages should also be legalised because the basis of illegalizing them is wrong in the first place. Majority of anti-gay rights activists quote religions books such as the Bible and the Quran as grounds for opposing same sex marriages. However, it is worth noting that the constitution which is the supreme law of any democratic society outlaws state religion and allows people to belong to or even fail to subscribe to any religious beliefs (Olsen, Wendy & James, 342). As such it is unconstitutional and illogical to prohibit pagan gay couples to marry on grounds that their union contravenes some religious teachings. The 1st amendment of the US constitution states that a person’s religious beliefs or lack thereof must be protected (Lannuti, 6). Some people view same sex marriages as an extreme way of eroding morality in the society. However, morality has always been a relative term which is always weighed against prevailing circumstances. Sternglass states that in case the union of gay couple poses no undue influence to unwilling members of the society, or in any way corrupts the morality of others, then there is no reason why same sex marriages should not be legalized (27).
In a marriage there is one issue that supersedes all: love. All the other things are important but it is love and affection that brings people together and makes them want to remain together throughout their lives. Philosophers, psychologists, scientists and other reputable professionals have been unable to decode what love is, leaving human beings to mingle freely, associate, love, form unions and ultimately start families (Streitmatter, 56). Since there are no parameters on whom one should love, and acknowledging that love is the central unifying factor in marriage, then it is absolutely illogical for a government to prohibit people who are in love to marry (Meezan & Jonathan, 103). America’s vibrant city of Las Vegas has gained fame as a place where many weddings take place only for them to be annulled within weeks because the marrying parties were “ not in love” or because one of them was coerced when drunk! High prevalence of divorce weakens what marriages ought to be and the legalization of gay marriages stands to strengthen the institution of marriage and lead to the happiness and ultimate satisfaction of many people.
Same sex marriages should also be legalised for financial reasons. Although some people feel that use of their taxes shall be wrongly placed if they go into legalization and supporting of same-sex marriages, the states and federal governments stand to gain more financially. Gay couples will contribute financially through marriage licences, higher income taxes and they will also decrease federal and state cost on benefit programs. According to Olsen, Wendy and James happily married people whether in heterosexual or homosexual marriages have inner satisfaction and happiness which makes them more productive (342). In addition, legalization of same sex marriages stands to reduce the number of divorces as such reduce the state and federal costs incurred in settlement of divorce and civil cases resulting from family issues.
Opponents of same sex marriages have raised some very credible reasons to oppose the legalization of gay unions. The biggest and perhaps most credible reason is that same –sex marriages pose a threat to the extinction of the human race. Legalization of same-sex marriages will lead many people either out of choice or genetic predisposition to settle down with a member of the same sex thereby reducing chances of such couples getting children of their own. Many gay couples adopt children and if this is continued, the human race will suffer a decline in population and ultimate extinction (Streitmatter, 56). Although extinction sounds a far-fetched idea it is real going by reduction in the number of children couples are getting per household. In other words, the more people are allowed the freedom of choice on whether to sire and raise children, the more may opt not to give birth thereby reducing the sustainability of the human race (Sternglass, 31). The use of adverse family planning methods complicates this issue and it is credible for anti-gay rights activists to oppose the legalization of same sex marriages.
Legalizing same sex marriages also stands to erode morality in the society. Studies have show that children raised by gay couples have a higher likelihood of becoming gay. Opponents to the legalization of gay marriages posit that gay couples predispose their children to negate nature and morality. They do this against the freewill of the children and as such legalization of gay marriages corrupts morality in the society. Scientists have also conducted studies to show that people are born heterosexual and very few if any people are born to be homosexual. They add that there are very few people who are born gay and they should not prompt the legalization of same sex marriages (Streitmatter, 60). This is so because, negating the will, wish and orientation of the majority constitutes to performing an immoral act. Morality is shaped by the majority of people in the society and since more than 80% of people in any society are opposed to same sex marriages, then the consideration of same sex marriages as immoral should suffice as such.
Religious beliefs and teachings that oppose same sex marriages should be upheld in the USA. Statistics from various quarters show that approximately 80% of Americans are Christians. A further 7% belong to religions that are opposed to same-sex marriages. This shows that although there exists a small number of pagans, the religious teachings of the more than 87% of American citizens should be allowed to shape controversial issues such as same-sex marriages (cnn. com, 2013). Notably Christians quote many bible verses to condemn same sex marriages such as Leviticus 18: 22 which states, “ You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination!”. Leviticus 20: 13 “ If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them”. These are strongly worded oppositions that are backed by millions of Americans and as such they should be given thought by law makers.

Conclusion

The debate on the controversial issue of same sex marriages has raged in for quite a while. Those who support legalization have given a number if reasons such as upholding of basic constitutional human rights and the common application of the constitution to safeguard the rights of all US citizens. They also argue that some people are born gay and add that if love is the ultimate issue that brings together parties intending to marry then there is no need for states and the federal government to prohibit marriage between same-sex couples. In addition they state that same sex marriages stand to benefit the country financially through marriage licensing, reduced divorce and civil suits among others. Those opposed to same sex marriages have stated that it is against religious teachings of more than 87% of Americans; it is immoral to society as a whole but most importantly is they categorically state that same sex marriages threaten the existence of the human race through reduced childbirths. In all, it is apparent that same sex marriages should be legalised because the reasons fronted in supports of legalization by far outweigh those given in objection to the issue.

Works Cited

” Defining Marriage: State Defense of Marriage Laws and Same-Sex Marriage.” Defining Marriage: State Defense of Marriage Laws and Same-Sex Marriage. N. p., 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. .
Lannutti, P. J.. ” For Better Or Worse: Exploring The Meanings Of Same-sex Marriage Within The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgendered Community.” Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 22. 1 (2005): 5-18. Print.
Meezan, William, and Jonathan Rauch. ” Gay Marriage, Same-Sex Parenting, And America’s Children.” The Future of Children 15. 2 (2005): 97-113. Print.
Olsen, Allene. Same-sex marriage. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2006. Print.
Olson, Laura R., Wendy Cadge, and James T. Harrison. ” Religion And Public Opinion About Same-Sex Marriage*.” Social Science Quarterly 87. 2 (2006): 340-360. Print.
Stern, Marc. ” Will gay rights infringe on religious liberty?.” CNN. Cable News Network, 1 Jan. 1970. Web. 13 Dec. 2013. .
Sterngass, Jon. Same sex marriage. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2012. Print.
Streitmatter, Rodger. Outlaw marriages: the hidden histories of fifteen extraordinary same-sex couples. Boston: Beacon Press, 2012. Print.