Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry - Thesis Example

Thesis Though same sex marriages are being allowed by many countries still they may not be universally allowed by all the countries. I. Introduction A. Same sex marriage defined B. Countries allowing the marriage C. May not be possible to apply universally II. Background on the Issue D. Emerging phenomenon in Western countries E. May not be allowed universally III. Explanation of Arguments F. Religion is the basis of many constitutions, G. Religion specifically does not allow same sex marriages. IV. Support of Arguments H. Homosexuality is not a preference. I. Very low number of people is engaged in this. J. Religion does not allow it K. Scientific studies suggesting that same sex marriage couples go through higher level of stress. V. Counterarguments L. Based upon equality of marriage. M. Issue of civil and moral rights. N. Some scientific studies support it VI. Conclusion O. Though a common phenomenon now P. May not be implemented universally. I. Introduction Same Sex marriage or gay marriage is the marriage between the persons having same gender or biological sex. In terms of marriage equality, same sex marriages are being advocated as it is suggested that disallowing same sex marriages will actually discourage the freedom allowed to everyone and will create discrimination based upon sexual preferences of the individuals. Over the period of time, more and more countries are allowing the gay marriages and there is also a strong debate growing in UK for allowing the same within the country. Countries like US, Sweden, Argentine etc has already started the process based upon marriage equality and avoiding discrimination based upon sexual preferences. Many countries have either allowed it through first seeking public opinion through referendums or on the orders of the courts. Same Sex marriages are being allowed in few countries and it may be possible that more and more countries may allow the same. It is however, important to note that same sex marriages may not be universally allowed due to various reasons. Same sex marriages have been opposed based upon the religious views and what major religions of the world say about this. Bible as well as Quran specifically disallows this practice and it is also because of this reason that same sex marriages is not allowed universally in many countries. This paper will argue that same sex marriages will not be universally allowed because of various reasons and not all countries will allow it for long. II. Background on the Issue Same Sex Marriages is a new and emerging trend mostly in Western countries where countries, based upon the marriage equality is allowing same sex marriages. Though Greeks were involved in it but there is an inconsistent history of homosexual preferences. Same sex marriage or gay marriage is the marriage between persons having same gender identity or biological sex. Since 2000, same sex marriages have been common and so for 11 countries and many other States within US have allowed the same sex marriages. It is also critical to note that the same sex marriages actually vary according to the jurisdictions and have been mostly allowed based upon the constitutional guarantee for equality. (Wolfson,32) It is however critical to note that not all countries have allowed gay marriages despite the fact that many countries provide constitutional guarantee for equality in all respects for each citizen of the country. III. Explanation of Argument Though same sex marriages have been allowed by many countries based upon the equality of marriage as well as the general equality guaranteed under constitution however many countries have still not allowed it. The critical reason is the religion which strictly disallows it and considers it as a sin. Since it is also important to note that many constitutions of the world drive their essence from religious scriptures therefore Islamic countries specially will never be in a position to allow gay marriages. It is also important to note that many consider this is as a fashion which will be replaced with something new in the future therefore allowing such thing to happen may prove itself as a temporary phenomenon. IV. Support of Argument It is critical to note that various research studies have critically outlined that homosexuality is not a sexual preference but rather people are born with such genetic makeup which force them to adapt such tendencies. However, there is only very little population which is engaged in homosexual activities whereas rest does not engage into this. Due to small portion of the population as well as its heterogeneous nature, it may not be possible for all the countries to allow it. Religious scriptures including Bible also makes same sex marriages a sin and explicitly restricts its followers to actually engage into any such behavior. Since most of the constitutions are also based upon religious scriptures. Years of religious teachings as well as restrictions on the homosexuality may not allow all the States to universally allow the passing of laws which can open the gates for same sex marriages. Many argue that allowing same sex marriages will actually restrict the religious freedom of the individuals and shall therefore be not allowed. (Gibson) Various scientific studies have critically suggested that people involved in same sex marriages often experience higher level of mental stress and depression. Childhood traumas as well as other reasons also contribute towards the generation of tendencies which make people adapt homosexual behaviors. It has been critically argued that entering into a same sex marriage is often not the preference which can be denied but rather it is an acquired tendency which individuals often acquire due to various societal conditioning. If the society delivers what it an acquired tendency which individuals often acquire due to various societal conditioning. If the society delivers what it promises in terms of providing all, such tendencies may not recur within the society. V. Counter Arguments Same sex marriages are based upon the argument of equality of marriage and the general equality granted under the constitutions of different countries. In many countries, people have invoked their right to have equality and courts subsequently granted them the permission to have marriage with same sex partners. It is therefore critical to understand that it is now an issue of civil rights, equality, human rights, and political, social as well as moral issue. Advocates of gay marriages consider it important issue in terms of granting equal civil and human rights to people having homosexual tendencies. (Moats,16) American psychological Association outlines that the same sex marriages should be allowed based upon the equality of marriage laws. Further, it has also been suggested through various scientific research studies that persons engaged in same marriages may have better mental health and their children are as normal as the other children. (Austin) VI. Conclusion Same sex marriages have been allowed based upon the marriage equality laws and granting equal civil and human rights to people having homosexual preferences. Many countries, based upon referendums or court rulings, have allowed the same sex marriages. In United States, many States have actually allowed the same sex marriages but not all the States have allowed the same. Despite the fact that same sex marriages allow equality of rights and discourage inequality, it may not be enforced universally as some religions specifically restrict this practice. Further, it is also considered as a fashion which will end and is being considered as a short term phenomenon. It is also discouraged based upon the religious freedom as it is outlined that allowing same sex marriages will undermine religious freedom. Works Cited Austin:, Dr. Jennifer. Same-Sex Marriage May Have Mental Health Benefits, Study Finds. 13 December 2012. 14 December 2012 . Gibson, David. Same-Sex Marriage Threatens Religious Freedom According To Religious Leaders. 13 Jan 2012. 14 Dec 2012 . Moats, David. Civil Wars: A Battle For Gay Marriage. New York: Harcourt, Inc, 2004. Wolfson, Evan. Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay Peoples Right to Marry. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004. Read More