Running head: gay marriage outline

Running head: GAY MARRIAGE OUTLINE Gay Marriage Outline Ashford University PHI103 Submitted: 12/10/12 Outline I. Introduction A. Many people argue that the institution of marriage is anticipated to union one man and one woman and that the definition of marriage makes same sex marriage inappropriate. Also the opponents of gay marriage argue that if gay marriage is legalized, it may harm the traditional marriage. It has never been confirmed to have any cruel effects on heterosexual marriage as the opponents argue; as a result it should be lawful and the same rights and privileges that heterosexual couples enjoy must be extended to the homosexual community. II. Gays and the religious belief: Most adversaries of equal rights for gay couples base their argument exclusively on their own religious beliefs; they often state that this country was founded by highly religious, God-fearing people. A. A recent poll conducted by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life (2008) reiterates the claim that religiosity is a key issue in determining a person’s support or resistance to gay marriage. B. Based on some research and polls conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life (2008), the main argument against gay marriage is based on religious beliefs. C. The forefathers also wanted to confirm that all of the citizens of this country were free to live their lives without meddling from the state (government). III. Gays and the destruction of the traditional heterosexual marriage: Another argument the homosexual opponents make is that gay marriage would one way or another abolish the holiness of the traditional heterosexual marriage A. According to Bookman, traditional marriage has been in a decline for decades, without legalized gay marriage, the opponents of gay marriage even acknowledge this fact B. We need to look at other countries that allow gay marriage. In 2001 the Netherlands began a new era of equality by allowing its gay and lesbian citizens the opportunity to marry. C. Gay and lesbian couples have been given the opportunity to marry for over a decade now, and the disastrous significances that were prophesized by the opponents have never occurred. IV. Gays, the benefits and taxation: Homosexual couples are paying higher taxes than heterosexual couples and are not allowed to visit their partner at the hospital. A. According to the BBC (2002) gay couples can be denied the rights to visit one another in the hospital. B. By being deprived of equal marriage rights, these couples are required to pay higher taxes than their married heterosexual counterparts (2004, BBC). C. Gays shouldn’t pay higher taxes than other couples, and should have the same rights as everyone else. V. Gays and the adoption: The opponents of gay marriage argue that it is corrupt for a child to be raised by a same sex couple A. According to the APA (2004) “ same-sex couples are remarkably similar to heterosexual couples, and that parenting effectiveness and the adjustment, development and psychological well-being of children is unrelated to parental sexual orientation” B. Homosexual couples should be allowed to adopt children because According to the American Psychological Association, a child raised by a homosexual couples would have the same physical, emotional, and psychological health as that of a child raised by heterosexual couples. VI. Gay Marriage and the financial gain: if gays are allowed to marry, they will bring financial gain to the state and local government. A. According to the New York Comptroller’s, gay marriage will add $142 million on a net bases to NYC’s economy B. Gay marriage will generate sales taxes and marriage license fee VII. Conclusion: A. It has never been confirmed to have any cruel effects on heterosexual marriage as the opponents argue; as a result it should be lawful and the same rights and privileges that heterosexual couples enjoy must be extended to the homosexual community. There is no proof to backing any theory that permitted gay marriage would have any harmful effect on traditional heterosexual marriage. Reference American Psychological Association. (2004). APA Supports Legalization of Same-Sex Civil Marriages and Opposes Discrimination Against Lesbian and Gay Parents. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://www. apa. org/releases/gaymarriage. html Bookman, J. (2003). Gay Couples Are No Threat to Marriage. Retrieved December 10, 2012 http://hrc. org/Template. cfm? Section= Center&CONTENTID= 17034&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay. cfm Garssen, J, and Badgett, M. (2004). Equality Doesn’t Harm Family Values. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://www. law. ucla. edu/williamsinstitute/issues/dueling. html The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. (2006). Gay Marriage. Retrieved December 10, 2012 from http://pewforum. org/gay-marriage/ BBC News World Edition. (2002). Gay Marriages: What Could Change? Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/uk_news/2549845. stm