Homosexual Rights and Marriage Debate - Essay Example

?A raging debate has been going on for some time over the controversial issue of legalizing gay marriage. This is a contentious topic in the society due to its sensitive role in the general social structure of the world and the conflict it raises against religious beliefs and ethical standards of the society. As a means of discussing this reality and the core arguments for homosexual rights and marriage that currently exist, the following discussion will seek to integrate these key concepts as well as take something of a active stance on the development of greater degrees of civil liberties with regards to the fundamental role that freedom of choice plays within the American system of governance. The first reason which will be presented with regards to the issue of gay marriage and the need of it to be legalized throughout the United States is with respect to the fact that key humanitarian and democratic ideals demand that such a course of action should be pursued with all available haste. The fact of the matter is that the Declaration of Independence states that “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Within such an understanding, it is unconscionable that anyone within this society should be denied any or all reasonable means of achieving such a level of parity that so many other members of society have so long enjoyed. In such a manner, the fight for homosexual rights and the right for homosexual marriage falls right alongside the means by which the nation sought to provide civil rights to its previously disenfranchised population of African American individuals. Constricting the rights and privileges of a certain group merely because they do not represent the majority is wholly and entirely un-American and cannot be understood to be beneficial to the state of democracy and civil liberties. However, the legal aspects alone of this particular issue only represent a very small fraction of the concerns and issues that can be raised with regards to homosexual marriage and the means by which it is represented within the United States currently. From an ethical standpoint, regardless of what the Constitution, Delcaration of Independence, or key laws concerning civil rights and civil liberties claim, it is wholly and entirely unethical to deny a given subset of individuals the same rights that so many others within society enjoy. Furthermore, a society that prides itself on being a liberal democracy must take strides to ensure that the rights of all members are upheld; regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, or creed. Yet, regardless of such an understanding and reality, there remains a vocal group of opponents to homosexual marriage that continue to derail any hope that such a reality will soon come to be included in the marriage system within the United States. Yet, rather than realizing that there remains such a vocal group of opposition to homosexual rights and homosexual marriage, it is necessary for the stakeholders within society, and even the listeners of this speech, to seek to continually promote the individual rights and liberties of each and every member of society; whether or not such a view conforms to one’s own worldview. Such a stance and/or interpretation may be seen as abonding principles; however, the championing of personal and individual rights is far greater than any personal qualms or misgivings with regards to gay marriage due to the fact that as long as one seeks to promote the rights of humanity and the ciivl rights and liberties of fellow citizens, these are fundamental concepts of law and society that will positively impact upon each and every individual – regardless of race, age, gender, creed, or sexual orientation. Finally, returning the facts concerning homosexual marriage, it must be understood that legalizing homosexual marriage provides an overall positive benefit to society due to the fact that it allows stable families to develop; the underyling strength of any well developed society. With stable families, more an dmore children that would otherwise languish in foster care will be adopted and given stable backgrounds from which they can draw to reach their full potential. Moreover, a significant financial burden will be reduced with regards to the unfair tax structure that currently exists and penalizes those adult individuals who are not married by placing them in a higher tax bracket. With the ability to get married will also come a degree of economic benefits that can be realized as more and more homosexual couples will purchase their first homes jointly; thereby helping the greatly weakened and still ailing real estate market. Transition: I would like to discuss the justification for legalizing gay marriage based on well researched facts. Apparently, the debate on gay marriage has been presented and various way through which it takes place. On the other hand, we have explored ways through which people can contribute to ensuring that this emerging social issue is given a critical approach in our society in order to serve humanity with due respect (Mello,34). By seeking to further and promote the needs of each and every member of society, it is necessary to seek to uphold the civil and humanitarian rights upon which the nation was founded. Although it may appear to some individuals that these may go against the ingrained nature of their upbringing or world view, the fact of the matter is that the nature of the founding documents of the United States and the means by which civil rights for many disparate groups have been a prolonged struggle, it must be understood that these determinants take a primary place to any personal qualms that may exist. Naturally, as with any research piece, there is need to undertake further investigations and make our stand for legalization of gay marriage look real and acceptable. This requires social perspective and political goodwill as the victims are still human beings and must be understood and appreciated as such. Works Cited Mello, Michael. Legalizing Gay Marriage. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2004. Internet resource. http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=_6pUdYi6nTUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=why+gay+marriage+need+to+be+legalized&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ukHRUYyoOsaQ4ATLhYDgCQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=why%20gay%20marriage%20need%20to%20be%20legalized&f=false Read More