Same Sex Marriage in the United States - Admission/Application Essay Example

Same Sex Marriage in the United States The issue of same sex marriage and homosexuality has been an issue of great concern and controversy throughout the modern world. The issue of gay marriage has turned out to be a major issue of debate in political and religious circles with different sides of the divide taking different stands. The issue has proved to be complex, difficult and weighty as it has divided nations into almost two distinct sides. This paper will analyze the issue of same sex marriage in the United States focusing on the views of both opponents and proponents of the practice. Marriage Marriage is also an institution individuals engage in interpersonal relationships which are in different ways acknowledged depending on the individuals’ cultures or subcultures according to Bell (237-240). Marriage often involves individuals engaging in sexual and intimate relationships. For a long time, marriage was defined as a religious or legal commitment between a woman and a man which usually involved the expression of love between the two. Marriage can generally been defined as the legal and social contract between people that creates kinship. Today however, gay or same sex marriage has become common practice. Gay marriage involves individuals of the same sex engaging in a union that may be considered a marriage. This practice has gradually been accepted in some parts f the world as being part of the norm. While the US federal government recognizes not marriages of couples of the same sex in accordance with the Defense of Marriage Act, a number of states have legalized the practice of gay marriage. Gay marriage currently is allowed in six states of the US including Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Iowa (Christine). The struggle to obtain marriage benefits and rights for gay couples in the US started in the early 70s but became more prominent in the mid 90s. This followed a public backlash toward the enactment of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. Later in the 2000s, New England became a focal point as organized efforts were directed towards the legalization of gay marriages in the United States. As a result of this, four states granted gay couples the legal right to engage in marriage. The issue has however remained a point of division in the states across different geographical borders with most politicians maintaining their stand against same sex marriages. It is widely accepted by scholars that the controversies revolving around same sex marriages arise as a result of differences in social view points including health related concerns, religious convictions, economic arguments, morality, and a variety of, other related issues. In this respect some people are for gay marriage and are in support of its universal legalization while others are seriously in opposition of the practice. Arguments In Support Of Gay Marriages The proponents of gay marriages make several arguments in support of their position. In their view the US constitution should not go to the extent of governing individual relationships. Others have claimed that same sex marriages benefit the couples involved socially. In 2004, the American Anthropological Association stated that there was need to provide concrete evidence supporting the maintenance of a society that believes exclusively on heterosexual marriage. The association also stated that same sex relationships contributed to the establishment of firm and humane societies (Jonathan 34). According to Fernando Espuelas, the state should allow gay relationships and marriage since they provide the minority group with their civil rights. The National Social Workers Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Psychological Association have in a joint report stated that there is no scientific evidence that shows a difference between same sex and heterosexual (straight) couples. In this respect the associations have stated that both types of couples should have equal obligations, legal rights, burdens, and benefits as bestowed by civil marriage. Practical research has revealed that same sex couples are in no way different from their heterosexual counterparts in their abilities as parents (Jonathan 54). In addition, their children when compared to those of straight couples display no deficits. If fact, if the parents are accepted by the surrounding community and their marriage is legal, the children will always benefit from their families in several ways; more like children from straight families. Same sex marriage Christian supporters have argued that the right of marriage develops the marriage association and provides legal protection for the children. Yet again, some quarters have stated with respect to gay marriage that the expression of homosexuality as described in different modern bible versions is an erroneous translation of original biblical texts. In other words, they claim that there is no precise prohibition of the gay marriage. In addition, those in support of lesbian and gay relationships claim that Christians must act like Christ by respecting the dignity and equality of all humans. Arguments against Gay Marriage On religious grounds, many opponents of same sex marriage regard homosexuality as a sin. Indeed close to all churches in the United States of America, with a few exceptions, consider homosexuality to be an immoral and undesirable practice (Scott). Generally, many religious groups consider marriage as a most sacred union, which means that is demands all respect (Scott). One of their main claims is that accepting gay marriage as part of the norm would abate the respect and definition of marriage as an institution between a woman and a man. Some quarters have claimed that same sex marriage contributes significantly to the weakening of family ties and traditional values which are vital for the society’s continued survival and development Their argument is founded on the belief that the society is built by the family unit which is composed of a woman, a man and their biological children. Naturally and biologically, procreation among the human species can only accomplished through the union of a man and a woman. Those opposed to gay marriage have claimed that giving same sex couples the rights to marry could lead to other forms of unnatural marriages (Scott). In other words, people some people will claim that it is their right to marry objects or animals that are not of the human species. For example, if an individual feels like getting married to their dog, they would demand their legal right do so. This in effect would make meaningless the whole concept of marriage. According to research, gay lifestyle leads to psychological disorders and significantly lowers life expectancy. Indeed past studies have revealed that homosexuals’ life expectancy is about twenty years less vis-à-vis that of the general population. One opponent of same sex marriage, David Blankenhorn, claims that the practice destroys the family structure and denies children the parental care of either their mother or father. Conclusion The issue of same sex marriage in the United States of America is one that will continue to draw attention both within the nation and around the globe. Both opponents and proponents of gay marriage have points that are worth noting. The underlying fact, however, is that gay marriage is unnatural and if universally accepted to be legal will lead to the widespread demand for the recognition of more and more weird forms of unnatural marriage. On religious grounds, marriage was intended by God to be a sacred institution between a woman and a man. In consideration of these and other facts stated above, it is clear that gay marriage is irrational, and goes beyond the design of nature. Works Cited Bell, Duran "Defining Marriage and Legitimacy". Current Anthropology. 38 (2): 237–254.  (1997). Duran defines marriage as a relationship between one or more females and males; simply stated. He notes that one of the main aims of marriage is to provide sexual satisfaction. Bell presents the subject of marriage in light of the law and morality. Christine Vestal (2009) Gay marriage legal in six states. Viewed 27 March, 2010 http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=347390 Vestal traces the history of gay marriage up to 2004. According to the author, six states in the United States have legalized gay marriage. Twenty nine other states have blocked same-sex marriage out of voter intervention. The author also notes the cases that have been presented in courts and the landmark decisions that have been made by some judges in view of the constitution.. Jonathan Rauch. Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America. Henry Holt and Co. 2004 Jonathan Rauch presents a strong and clear case explaining why he feels gay marriage should be accepted as part of the norm in the United States of America. Rauch’s arguments, which are clearly in favor of gay marriage and relationships, are based on mainstream values and commonsense. The author takes head on different social issues that have been raised against the practice of gay marriage and gives counter-arguments. Scott Bidstrup (n.d) Gay Marriage: The Arguments and the Motives. Viewed 27 March, 2010 http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm Scott introduces the concept of marriage; both heterogeneous and gay. Clearly a proponent of gay marriage, Scott provides numerous arguments in favor and against gay marriage. The author draws his facts from scientific research and the bible among other sources. Citing laws and court proceedings and judgments, he concludes that Read More