MLA style / the future of marriage - Essay Example

Those against gay marriage see the uniting of two people of the same sex as something that conflicts entirely with the definition of marriage. The ancient concept of marriage has always been between a man and a woman, and therefore, the idea of marriage with two people of the same sexes seems to go against the basic concept of marriage itself. Furthermore, many people who see gay marriage as wrong are also very attached to the Christian movement, and most Christians do not see this as acceptable, again because they come back to the original definition of marriage.

Some of them fear the influences two gay parents might have on children they may either have or adopt, and they also fear how this may affect the morals and values of society. People against gay marriage see it as incorrect to re-define a concept that has had its own definition and status established for so long. On the other hand, those who are for gay marriage also have solid arguments, like Schiffren. Schiffren states several reasons for this, and his reasons agree with most of the other arguments presented for gay marriage (739).

Those for gay marriage state that scientific studies have not established any factual evidence that gay couples actually are bad influences on the children they raise. Furthermore, there seems to be nothing inherently wrong with gay marriage—the concept of two people loving each other and staying together for life is actually a moral advantage, so those for gay marriage do not see this as morally incorrect (Stoddard 738). Furthermore, they feel that those in love should have the opportunity to legalize their love, and also allow them to take advantage of things like tax breaks.

(This is why civil unions are generally not enough for those who want gay marriage legalized—civil unions do not help out at all with any type of tax status). Perhaps the most important argument behind gay marriage is the fact that it does not really