The Argument about Same-Sex Marriages - Essay Example

?Introduction The argument of same sex or gay marriages is based upon the notion of marriage equality wherein two persons having same sex or gender identity are allowed to marry each other. There has been a growing trend since 2001 with many countries allowing same sex marriages. This issue has been becoming critically important and one of the hotly debated issues in US too in the recent years. Recent surveys indicate that as many as 50% of Americans want to redefine the marriage equality within the country and allow same sex marriages. (Douthat). Though gay marriages are not recognized at the Federal Government Level, some States have allowed same sex marriages. The recent debate also seems to coincide with the campaign for upcoming elections. Recent comments by President Obama that same sex marriages should be allowed and that the final say in the matter should rest with the individual states therefore outline a general mood which might prevail in the campaign for upcoming elections. The overall arguments are based upon whether to keep the marriage as an institution intact or tear it apart by allowing same sex marriages. There is strong debate upon creating a new constitutional right and overthrowing a currently held constitutional right of marriage with opposite sex. ( Associated Press) What implications the debate on the same sex marriages will have for the next elections and how the presidential candidates in the next election should address this issue is what this paper will discuss and explore. Gay Marriages Gay marriage is a multi-dimensional issue with religious, political, social as well as moral consequences. Since the beginning of human history, men have always married women and that is considered a religious duty because marriage has been considered as a mechanism to legally reproduce. Reproduction therefore was one of the key reasons as to why marriages took place and the overall system of family built. Family is considered as the basic unit of a society and therefore marriage with opposite sex is considered as the only way through which family can be raised. (Taylor) Gay marriages are largely opposed based upon the concerns for raising the family, the religious issues, parenting as well as traditions of the societies. (Olsen). These social elements therefore may be shattered if same sex marriages are allowed and the very fabric of the society itself can crumble if same sex marriages are common. Further, it is also argued that the rights of the children being raised by their biological parents could be hampered if same sex marriages take place. As such it is considered that the overall benefit of same marriages goes to the couple involved in it and other elements of the society may not benefit from the same sex marriages. (Goodstein) However, it is also critical to note that those who advocate for same sex marriages indicate that denying an individual to marry with a same sex partner is actually a discrimination based upon the sexual orientation of the individual. Gay Marriages in US Same Sex Marriages are not federally allowed in US however, some individual States have allowed gay marriages. Massachusetts was the first State which allowed same sex marriages in 2004 and was followed by other States too to allow the same sex marriages. Some other States are also lined up for allowing the same sex marriages and hence the overall legal support for gay and same sex marriages is increasing at the State level. (Press) One of the biggest hurdles towards allowing gay marriages, legally at the Federal level is the Defense of Marriage Act 1996. Under this act marriage was defined at the Federal level and thus a legal cover was provided to the institution of marriage and family. It is critical to note however, that before 1996 State laws defined marriage and Federal Government accepted that definition though such marriages were not accepted by some other States. The overall public support for gay marriages is on the rise since 1980s and public opinion is divided on this issue. The recent surveys indicate that Americans are either equally divided on the issue or there is a very slim majority which is favoring the gay and lesbian marriage. (Stark) This issue therefore has been now considered as a possible political winner which could provide a majority to the candidates fighting for the next presidential election. Almost 57% of the Americans are believed to be either active or silent supporters of same sex marriages and such high level of majority can certainly be a political winner. Recent Debates Before Obama’s explicit support for gay marriages it was argued that President is probably ignoring a silent majority which is willing to give legal support and validity to gay marriages. This argument was based upon the notion that two important constituencies for Obama i.e. Hispanic and blacks don’t support the move and as such President Obama may not explicitly support the issue and irk his voters. Joe Bidden, the Vice President of the country, has been reportedly supporting the gay marriages and considers the issue from the perspective of equality of civil rights for all. (Diemer). Bidden, however, is of the opinion that a growing consensus of the nation is necessary in order to allow gay marriages. (PACE). It is however critical to note that Bidden was the first from the current government to openly air his views on the issue and many believe that this actually forced Obama to explicitly talk on this issue. His action regarding openly pushing the new issue on the Presidential Campaign also created a certain degree of political pressure for Obama to actually come forward and publically air his views on the issue of gay marriages. It was also reported that Bidden later on apologized for his remarks thus indicating that President Obama may not be willing to allow gay marriages without first framing his own thoughts on it. (Reuters) Mitt Romney however is capitalizing on the vote bank of evangelical Christians and thus is opposing gay marriage. (Swaine) His overall opposition is therefore based upon the religious arguments against gay marriages and how it may impact the Christianity as an institution. Romney’s opposition therefore is based upon valuing the culture and traditions according to which Americans have been living for centuries. (Adler) Obama’s Position Though Barrack Obama publically supported the view that gay marriages should be allowed, his opinion still seems to be evolving on that issue. His initial reaction to the issue of gay marriages was based upon the notion that it should be allowed, however, state wide consensus should be necessary in order to handle the issue at the national level. (Stein). Obama is also reported to be saying that his views on the gay marriages issue are still evolving despite the fact that he contacted African American ministers to clarify his position on the issue. (Times) Many argue that Obama may not be able to settle this theological issue and his support may result in a drop in his popularity especially among those voters who have traditionally remained his supporters. There is also an issue of religious freedom involved in this because those advocating for gay marriages are also assumed to be hampering the religious freedom of others. Obama therefore seems to have to either go with a view which is progressively gaining more support or to side with those voters who view the whole issue from the perspective of religion and religious freedom. Legal Challenges Though there are strong views in favor of gay marriages and how the overall civil society of US should shape, there are strong concerns over how this issue of same sex marriage will be legalized. Though it is still not accepted at Federal Level and majority of States have either refused to make legal changes or retracted from their earlier positions in such situation, developing national consensus can be a significance challenge. (BRAVIN) California’s Proposition 8 which is a public endorsement for opposing gay marriages in California State may be considered as a test in case as many believe that this violates the constitution and fundamental rights of Americans. In States like NY despite having legally endorsed gay marriages, still there is a public outcry over legal protection of the same. (Mahtesian). There is a consistent opposition from Churches who may be involved in administrating the marriages as gay marriages may not be technically recognized by the Churches as marriages.1 Justice Department will also have to fight against the States explicitly banning the gay marriages and thus there may be a long legal battle to at least get this issue recognized legally at the Federal Level. (Pinkington). Further, Congress might also have to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act 1996 in order to make way for the new changes allowing gay marriages to be recognized legally at the Federal Level. This issue therefore may take time before it can be legally recognized at Federal Level. Political Implications for Next Election There are two opposing views of Obama and Romney in terms of allowing same sex marriages as Obama seems to voice his support whereas Romney is explicitly opposing it. Though the silent majority of the country may be endorsing the debate on gay marriages, it seems that the overall mandate is split. Those advocating the religion as well as protection of family as an institution seem to argue against this and the groups, and majority associated with them, tend to support Obama in elections. Romney is addressing the Christians who are opposing this issue on religious grounds and as such this issue may not surface in the overall vote campaign of Romney. (Youngman) This issue may not become significant in terms of changing the voting patterns of the support groups of each candidate; however, each candidate needs to ensure that his views are properly rooted into the historical and evolving trends. Obama seems to ride on this wave of a progressively important issue of gay marriages and therefore may be able to win a slight majority solely based on this. (Pitts) Particularly, this may impress that segment of the voter bank which was not traditional supporter of Obama but could support him on this issue. Both the candidates therefore should adapt a line of argument which is based upon keeping in view the traditional constitutional history of the country also. How this will be legally transformed into a reality at the Federal Level and whether States will be able to accept such legislations may still be an issue open to discussion and ultimately, decision. Conclusion The issue of gay and lesbian marriages is a gradually evolving issue which has now become one of the hotly debated items for next Presidential elections. It has been argued that a silent majority of country is endorsing the same sex marriages and as such people are increasingly becoming aware of providing equal rights and abolition of discrimination based upon sexual orientation. Many States have either explicitly banned same sex marriages or allowed them thus the overall mandate in this regard seems to be split. Obama’s position on the issue is still considered as shaky because just after voicing his support for gay marriages he went on to defensive to avoid further damage control his position. His traditional vote bank is based upon Hispanic as well as black community of the country and both seem to oppose same sex marriages. Romney’s position is quite clear on the issue as he is weighing this issue against the religious and traditions of the country. His overall campaign is also directed towards Christians therefore there seems to be very little chance that his stance will change. However, the overall sensitivity of the issue and growing acceptance of gay marriages may dominate the next elections. Both the candidates therefore have to take into consideration both the traditional and progressive views about the issue. As such this issue may not be politically dominating issues to win the election as economy and war on terror may still dominate the voting results. Works Cited Associated Press. Bloomberg says NC gay marriage vote shows more work to do for American civil rights. 13 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Adler, Ben. The Nation: Gay Marriage Caught Romney Off Guard. 11 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . BRAVIN, JESS. Gay-Marriage Cases Pose Legal Tests for Administration. 13 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Diemer, Tom. Joe Biden on Gay Marriage: Legalization Is 'Inevitable'. 2011. 13 May 2012 . Douthat, Ross. Obama’s Marriage Maneuvers. 8 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . GOODSTEIN, LAURIE. Unions That Divide: Churches Split Over Gay Marriage. 13 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Mahtesian, Charles. Gay marriage part of N.C. Democrats' rough week. 13 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Olsen, Ted. The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage. 08 Jan 2010. 13 May 2012 . PACE, JULIE. Biden proves catalyst for Obama on gay marriage. 13 May 2012. 14 May 2012 . Pinkington, Ed. Same-sex marriage and the law: what happens next? 09 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Pitts, Leonard. In North Carolina gay marriage vote, a step backward from progress. 13 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Press, Associated. Bloomberg says NC gay marriage vote shows more work to do for American civil rights. 13 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Reuters. Biden apologizes to Obama for same-sex marriage remark. 10 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Stark, Caitlin. By the numbers: Same-sex marriage. 12 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Stein, Sam. Obama Backs Gay Marriage. 09 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Swaine, Jon. Mitt Romney attacks Barack Obama's stance on gay marriage. 14 May 2012. 14 May 2012 . Taylor, Pamela K. Marriage: Both Civil and Religious. 31 July 2009. 13 May 2012 . Times, New York. On gay marriage declaration, Obama tried to limit risk. 13 May 2012. 13 May 2012 . Youngman, Sam. Romney seeks evangelical votes; opposes gay marriage. 12 May 2012. 14 May 2012 . Read More