Same-Sex Marriage in the USA - Essay Example

Same Sex Marriage in the USA One of the most controversial questions of the day, Same-sex marriage, also called gay marriage, has become a term heatedly debated in the news media and politics. The legitimacy of the same sex marriage as well as the rights of the people who opt for this practice has been central topics of debate and there are numerous points of view and varied conclusions on the topic. The social perspectives, religious convictions, economic arguments, health-related problems, and various related issues etc enhance the scope of the discussions regarding same-sex marriage. The religious arguments, social arguments which relate to the questions about children and family, arguments with reference to divorce rates and reproduction, arguments based on tradition and conventions, arguments about equality, health etc along with economic considerations contribute the various aspects of the controversy. Only an insightful analysis can offer a logical conclusion on the controversial topic of same sex marriage. Such a profound analysis of the arguments in favor of as well as those against the practice of same sex marriage, would confirm the social obligation to give room for the rights of the people who prefer the practice. Whereas the arguments against same sex marriage offer one side of the question, they many often fail even to recognize the existence of the opposite side which convincingly holds the rights of the people for privacy and personal freedom. While admitting the significance of marriage as a social institution, several critics in the recent history argue, along with Charlene Gomes, that “the time has come to expand marriage to include same-sex couples.” (Gomes, 15) They hold that it is vital to recognize the practice legally in order to defend the emotional and economic welfare of same sex couples and to offer them an equal plane with heterosexual marriage. In this background, it is most significant to have thorough understanding of the issues and interests of the same sex couples which in turn substantiates the demand for same sex marriage on the basis of the theories of equality. The arguments leveled against the practice of same sex marriage are various and the arguments based on social, rational, ethical or moral, and religious principles distinctly denounce the practice. In one of the notable essays on the topic, Scott Bidstrup summarizes the major arguments against same sex marriage and primarily he points out that the institution of marriage has traditionally been between one man and one woman and the same-sex couples do not have a good environment to raise the children. The other major arguments include: the practice is immoral, it would intimidate the institution of marriage, procreation and the continuation of humanity is the objective of marriages, marriages is traditionally a heterosexual institution etc. The list also includes other controversial aspects: “Same-sex marriage is an untried social experiment… Same-sex marriage would start us down a ‘slippery slope’ towards legalized incest, bestial marriage, polygamy and all kinds of other horrible consequences… Granting gays the right to marry is a ‘special’ right…” (Bidstrup) While it is significant to have a respect for these arguments, the real motives as well as the base of them is questionable. The arguments against same sex marriage many often fail to recognize the rights of people for equality and freedom of choice and they always stress on the religious, ethical, and social questions with complete disregard to civil rights of individuals. In fact, the proponents of same sex marriage are referring to matters of civil justice when they base their arguments on the civil rights issue regardless of life-damaging and life-threatening outcomes of the matter. The torments and pain that the same sex couple and the advocates of the practice have suffered at the hands of this conservative society are self-explanatory on the question of their civil rights. Therefore, the controversial aspects of the rights of the same sex couples are no more just theoretical issues and their sufferings, in fact, “happen with surprising frequency. Almost any older gay couple can tell you numerous horror stories of friends and acquaintances who have been victimized in such ways.” (Bidstrup) The controversial debate on the question of the validity of same sex marriage takes a more significant turn in order to account for the issues and sufferings that the same sex couples need to face in the modern world and this ultimately augments the arguments put forward by the supporters of the practice. The fate of the gay people as well as the supporters of the same sex marriage in the so called ‘modern’ and ‘civilized’ world has net been much pleasing. They have been treated menacingly by the society and their interests have never been represented in the social platforms. Pollit and Colson have been successful in portraying the issues faced by the gay people and their “What’s Wrong with Gay Marriage” and “Gay ‘Marriage’: Social Suicide” have been compelling readings in this background. They convincingly represent the fate of the gay people and talk in length about how gays are looked at as bad people in the social system. The social concepts of justice, freedom, and liberty are not considered when it comes to the question of same sec marriage and its practitioners as well as supporters do no enjoy the same civil rights by the society. The practice of same sex marriage has given rise to pertinent social questions and illustrations of civil rights violations including the right for equality, freedom, and liberty. The current situation of the same sex practitioners not only raises controversies against the theoretical bases of its opponents, but more significantly against the social treatment of the people who adhere to their civil rights. It is most illumining to have an intelligent conclusion on the various theoretical issues concerning the practice which will also rightly conclude on the demands of the supporters of same sex marriage. Making a detailed analysis of the most significant factors of same sex marriage, Donald J. Cantor et al come up with nine pertinent assumptions. Accordingly, people are possessed with same sex sexual attraction voluntarily as thus instinct is innate and permanent in them. It is not based on factual evidences to conclude that same sex relationships are inherently less stable in comparison with heterosexual relationships, and that children in same sex relations are less likely to develop healthfully as children in heterosexual relations. The same sex couples do not enjoy several crucial federal and state privileges and benefits mainly because they are not able to marry. Significantly, the Supreme Court decisions in the past few decades have offered constitutional protection to the causes of same sex marriage, mainly based on the rights of privacy, liberty, and equality. Similarly, the actions by the state legislatures in the past years have reflected the feeling that the private, consensual, adult sexual decisions need to be free of governmental interventions. Along with these, “developments outside the United States evidence, and seem to portend, a continuing and growing acceptance of same sex marriage.” (Cantor, 149) Several world nations including Canada have recognized same-sex marriage as there is immense societal value in this action which is in consistence with the principle of equal justice under law. As Gomes points out, this is a golden principle which the United States once embraced and it is high time for the nation to “follow and recognize all its citizens equally.” (Gomes, 15) This sums up the arguments in favor of same sex marriage and their civil rights. Works Cited Bidstrup, Scott. Gay Marriage: The Arguments and the Motives. 2004. 14 Oct. 2008. . Cantor, Donald J. et al. Same-sex Marriage: The Legal and Psychological Evolution in America. Wesleyan: Wesleyan University Press. 2006. P 149. Gomes, Charlene. “The Need for Full Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage.” The Humanist. Vol. 63. Iss. 5. 2003. P 15+.  Read More