Human Rights and Its Connection with Gay Marriages - Essay Example

Gay Marriage: Should It be Legal Table of Contents I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………… 3 II. The U.S. Definition of Matrimonial Contracts ………………………. 3 III. Human Rights and Its Connection with Gay Marriages …………….. 4 IV. Arguments between Gay Marriages and Issues Related to Religion and Politics …………………….………………………………. 4 V. Consequences of Legalizing Gay Marriages in terms of Social Balances and Culture ……………………………..……………. 6 VI. Conclusion ………………………………………………………………. 6 References ………………………………………………………………………. 7 Introduction Since the early 1970s, the issue on gay marriages in the United States has been very controversial. The main question behind the controversy is whether or not gay marriages should be made legal or not. Today, some states in the U.S. such as New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey among others have successfully made gay marriages legal. Despite the effort in making same sex marriages legal, many organizations in different geographic areas within the United States remained strong in the opposing the legalization of same sex marriages. To determine whether or not it is good to legalize gay marriages in the United States, it is crucial to first define the real meaning of matrimonial marriages as stated in the U.S. constitutional law. Eventually, there is a need to examine and analyze issues related to the human rights in relation to the arguments that may arise from different sectors such as religious groups and politics including the non-profit organization that is concerned with social welfare. Examining the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing gay marriages will enable us to decide whether gay marriages should be permitted in the country. The U.S. Definition of Matrimonial Contracts The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1603) explains that matrimonial contracts is a formal way of allowing “man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator.” (Wiker, 2008) This is very similar to the U.S. code which states that a traditional marriage refers to the “legal binding of a man and a woman as husband and wife” (U.S. Code Collection, 2008) Human Rights and Its Connection with Gay Marriages ‘Human rights’ or the basic rights and freedom of human beings is not limited to the freedom of expression and speech but also with matters related to justice and social rights when it comes to gender equality. For this reason, a lot of people think that equal rights should not be gender-biased. In relation to the human rights, gays and lesbians also deserve an equal right and treatment from other people. This includes the idea of some gays and lesbians wanting to raise their own family or enter into a marriage contract just like any other normal human beings. (Jean, 2007) According to the Mayor of New Paltz – Mr. Jason West, “the law in the United States is gender neutral.” (You Tube, 2008) Taking his statement as a legal basis, Mr. West conducted the first legalized gay marriage in New York. On the contrary, some people argues that the basic human rights for all does not necessarily include extending the matrimonial contracts to individuals who are homosexual. (Prentice, 2007) This is mostly because of their fear that the traditional idea or concept of marriage, which should be between the husband and wife, will be destroyed. Arguments between Gay Marriages and Issues Related to Religion and Politics A biblical scripture states that “marriage should be “between a man and a woman.” (Matthew 19: 4 – 6) Based on the bibilical statements and religious beliefs, religious groups maintains its power to strongly influence the political parties not to support the legalization of gay marriages in the country. There are around millions of religious and non-religious people who are fighting to protect and preserve the ‘sanctity of marriage’ solely between a man and a woman. Based on a recent survey report on religion and issues related to gay marriages and civil union, around 59% of the respondents are against same sex marriages and 51% of them are strongly opposing the possibility of granting a legal arrangement to gay marriages. (The Pew Forum, 2008) Despite the fact that the number of people behind the opposition side is significantly high, the survey result reveals that the number of individuals who are opposing the gay marriages among the younger generation (20 to 35 years old) are almost equal. This figure shows that there is still a posibility in the future wherein people would eventually accept the legalization of gay marriages in the United States. Prior to receiving a fair treatment and equal rights, women in general also fought for their equal rights and justice with men. (Human Rights Watch, 2008) Based on the survey results, it is not really impossible for the time to come whereby more individuals would become more open-minded with the issue on gay marriages. Basically, the gay and lesbian population is not really deprived from equal treatment for all since these people have already won their human rights to be treated equally within the educational institutions and work environment. In fact, many of the local schools and companies are acknowledging the importance of promoting a non-discriminating environment regardless of the people’s physical or mental health and gender. Consequences of Legalizing Gay Marriages in terms of Social Balances and Culture There are quite a lot of social consequences with regards to legalizing gay marriages in the United States. First, it is expected that more people would be encouraged to promote the same sex marriages in the country. This would result to problems related to procreation and child rearing. Even if same sex couples would decide to adopt a child or go through the process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in the case of lesbians, the main issue with regards to this type of family structure is the possibility that the child may not be able to cope with the fact that his/her real biological father or mother were not the people he/she was with while growing up. In some cases, it is possible for these children to mentally and emotionally accept such family structure which would eventually create a new culture in the history of the United States. Conclusion Up to the present time, religion plays a significant role in the prohibition of gay marriages within many states in the United States. Similar to how women have fought for an equal right and justice with men, it is also not impossible for the day to come that majority of the American people would come to accept the legalization of gay marriages. (Pew Forum, 2008) The problem with legalizing gay marriages can be seen not only based on religion but also the social and cultural consequences of such act. In case the American government would decide to legalize gay marriage, the people should be ready to face a new culture and tradition with regards to the abolishment of the traditional family settings. References: Jean, Lorri L. "Changing Views on Marriage: The Arc of Justice." 31 June 2007. Los Angeles Times - Opinion. 3 April 2008 . Prentice, Ron. "LA Times." 30 July 2007. Golden State, same-sex marriages: The people have already spoken. 3 April 2008 . "The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life." 2008. Part 2: Gay Marriage. 3 April 2008 . "U.S. Code Collection - § 7. Definition of “marriage” and “spouse”." 2008. Cornell University Law School. 3 April 2008 . Wiker, Benjamin D. "The Meaning of Marriage." 12 January 2008. Holy Interactive. 3 April 2008 . "You Tube." 2008. Will and Right: Religion Politics and Gay Marriage - FULL. 3 April 2008 . Read More