Luis Romero

November 18, 2015

Ms.Garabekyan
Period 3
Same-sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage is a the marriage of two partners of the same gender and this is a

controversial topic that has been discussed about for many years. The reason this is a

controversial topic is mostly because of the views of many religions that condemn it and see it as

taboo or others who are just simply uncomfortable with displays of same-sex affection. It is a

very tricky topic to talk about because many people can take counterpoints as an insult, therefore

there is a lot of violent conflict between the LGTBQ Community and many of the organizations

that oppose same-sex rights. The biggest competitors that are against same-sex marriage are the

religious groups that condemn it like Abrahamic religions that include Christianity, Judaism, and

Islam.Some think that same-sex marriage goes against Gods Will, but others believe that

everyone has the right to marry anyone they would like.

What exactly is Same-sex Marriage? In a general definition, same-sex marriage is the

marriage between partners of the same gender. This includes the obvious like men with men,

women with women but, it is more difficult to categorize transgenders into the mix since many

don't know on what gender to put them in. Same-sex marriage is a controversial topic and its not

exactly easy to pinpoint the beginning of the controversy. The main reason can be traced back all

the way to the introduction of the Bible. The point where same-sex couples started to take a stand

and the issue was taking some light was in the early and late 1970s. The controversy took the

form of a case which was started by two partners, Richard Baker and James McConnell, when in

October 10, 1970, they were denied a marriage license by the Hennepin County District clerk. Of

course, the case influenced many gay individuals to fight for their rights in the way of protests
and accusations and they also influence many organizations that support gay rights. In todays

world, lots of progress has been made and many countries have started to acknowledge gay

rights and even some cultures are starting to change their views on not just homosexuality, but

also transgenders, bisexuals, and lesbians. There are 21 countries today that have recognized that

being gay is a fundamental right and not a mental disorder or a phase. Of course, not everyones

opinion can be changed and people still struggle with identity issues or discrimination issues.

Those in religions that are against same-sex marriage view that,same-sex marriage goes

against Gods Will. In the book Gay Rights by David L. Hudson ,Jr, an anonymous interviewee

was quoted in saying,The state morally could not sanction same-sex marriages since this would

result in coercing some into violating a deeply held religious conviction. This quote is trying to

say that those who hold their religion sacred cant force others to violate their religion and

support their gay rights. The freedom of religion supports their right to believe and uphold their

religion.However, others believe that if people don't wish to support same-sex marriage, they

shouldn't because no one is forcing them and same-sex couples are just looking for equality. The

counterpoint can be found in a book named A Positive View OF LGBT by Ellen D. B. Riggle

and Sharon S. Rostosky. The two authors are quoted in saying,All people are born equal and

have certain natural, essential and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of

enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting

property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness. This counters the

statement by saying that everyone is a free human being and has the right to search for happiness

without anyones restrictions even those of religious form.

The LQTBQ community and others for same-sex marriage view that,Everyone has the

right to marry anyone they want.In the article Pros and Cons of Gay Marriage, the
anonymous author is quoted in saying,It is discriminatory, wrong, and unconstitutional to ban

two consenting adults from entering into a state of marriage. The meaning in this quote is that

two grown adults are old enough to make their own decisions in life and should not be controlled

or be treated as if they were still children. On the other hand, others see that "allowing same-sex

marriage could destroy the way society works". In a previously mentioned book Gay Rights by

David L. Hudson, Jr., another anonymous interviewee is quoted in saying, Recognition of same-

sex Marriage unions could lead to marriage requests for people who lead alternative lifestyles,

including polygamist and bisexuals who wish to marry two or more people. What the

interviewee is trying to say is that the sacred ritual of marriage would be destroyed or violated

because the it is only supposed to be a joining of two people who are in love.He is also saying

that the allowance of such a thing would impact society in a big way.

There are also those who arent in favor of same-sex marriage because they believe that

"Marriage is between a man and a woman". In an article One Man, One Woman, a man named

Jeff Jordan is quoted in saying,Marriage is the union of the only type of couple capable of

natural reproduction of the human race-a man and a women. The man was obviously not

justifying his belief by religious philosophy but with scientific reason. He is saying that in order

to keep the human race in constant repopulation a man and a woman is need to reproduce and if

the nature of how we are attracted towards the opposite gender and reproduce changes then what

will happen to the human race? In a different point of view, others see that "no one's happiness

should be denied by any kinds of belief".In A Positive View Of LGTBQ, the two authors, Ellen

D. B. Riggle and Sharon S. Rostosky, say, Loving relationships provide us with a sense of

connection, purpose, and meaning of life. What they are trying to say is that the whole meaning
of relationships is to provide comfort, happiness, and a reason to live. Without happiness life is

anything but life and its not fair to take someones happiness.

Today, 21 countries have recognized the same-sex marriage issue and have legalized it.

The most recent country that joined is the United states. The reason it was a big deal was because

the U.S. is a really big voice amongst the world and has a lot of influence over the world.

Religions like Christianity and Catholicism are beginning to change ever since the new Pope,

Pope Francis, recently made his statement that even he does not have the right to judge a person

who is gay and seeks to find Gods Wisdom. What happens if in the future gay marriage is

legalized everywhere in the world? The most probable future is that soon people will learn to

adapt and the new generation will have a different view than the older generation. Just like Black

rights movements and Equal Rights movements for women, they have always caused a lot of

controversy, but those against it will learn to live by the new laws. And this new generation

seems to be more gentle and caring towards others. Of course there will always be those who

will never give up their way of thinking but this has never really stop those who seek equal

rights. Same-sex marriage probably won't be legalized in every country of the world because of

the deeply held religious beliefs people are taught and keep throughout their whole lives. Of

course it might be possible but highly unlikely since there are way too many people that can

agree on one thing. For now, the strive for equal rights for same-sex couples seems to be going in

positive path as of 2015.