Ethical Dilemma about the Same Sex Marriage - Research Paper Example

Ethical Dilemma about Same Sex Marriages Gay Marriages Over the years many s have started to embrace the idea of same sex marriages especially the controversial gay marriages. There are many controversies which surround the issue which ranges from ethical concerns to religious issues. The stigma created by the people on the people on the individuals embracing the idea have left many who practice it to hide for the fear of being subjected to social discrimination and stigmatization in the society. Many churches have not accepted the idea and they strongly advocate for its shunning citing various scriptures in the holy books that state against the practice. This has stirred a big debate on the acceptance of this behavior which was initially not acceptable but currently gaining so much popularity and many people including celebrities coming up and confessing of having been in same sex relationships for a long time. The people involved have been fighting for their freedom of expression and interaction and this has pushed many jurisdictions to bow to their demand and allow the marriages. This work will address the issue from various dimensions refraining from being judgmental or taking sides. Ethical theories that are useful in explaining the situation shall be used and the legal aspects as embraced by various states explained as well. The essay will also touch on the biological research done and the factors that drive some people to embrace the idea and end up in same sex marriages or relationships. Comparison of the laws in various places shall also institute the discussion part as many states do not embrace the idea. It is important to note that in some places being involved in a same sex marriage is punishable by death. Right of the Individual versus Morality One of the ideas that arise when the issue of same sex marriages spring up is what should come first, the right of the individual or morality. The constitutions that govern many states are categorical when it comes to the issue of human rights. Therefore the people who engage in this actions are guarded by the clauses that give them the right say to interact with whomever they want to (Alexander, 1985). Therefore it would be against the constitution to impose a rule on them that would subject them to following a line of thought that they are not ready to subscribe to While advocating for their rights, the people championing stated that every person should respect each and every ones uniqueness and so saying that they support the idea is their own choice with their life anyway. On the other hand we are living in a society where there are the coded rules that govern each and every ones movements and actions. It is true to say that over the years people have been cold toward the idea of same sex marrying or being in a relationship and some are still strongly objected to it. As much as one may be inclined to do it, then the consequences could be so much calling that at one point and time one is forced to succumb to the majorities’ interest and dump the idea. One of the issues that arise is the biological aspect where a marriage is supposed to be a supreme bond between two individuals that as the society purports should lead to bringing up new beings (children). However, biologically it has been proven that such marriages cannot be able to achieve that creating the reason why many people are against them. This leaves us with the question whether to embrace morality or accept every ones’ right of expression Laws of the States According to Nathan and Jones, the laws in many states categorically ban businesses from showing any discrimination against same sex couples. This therefore translates to that the businesses have no right to stop the people from buying or retailing from their businesses based on their sexual orientation (1). These laws are in many times conflicting as in the same laws it is categorically stated that any individual is given the right of worship. In some denominations, it is wrong to practice some sexual habits and so through the law set it can be based on it to ban the same sex couples from going there. This issue arose when some companies refused to work or be hired on ceremonies of the same sex couples e.g. marriages. Vanessa Willock, for instance filed a discrimination case against a company which failed to cover her ceremony and going by the look of things it is an uphill task for the businesses which are failing to cover the ceremonies. Deontological Ethics This section will address the theories that try to explain the main idea in this essay. These are duty based and outcome based theories together with social responsibility theories. Deontological ethics addresses the morally accepted norms in the society and the consequences that one may face if he/she decides to deviate from the set codes in the society. Everyone lives in a society which has the responsibility of ensuring that the person maintains a set standard of decorum both in his/her habits and achievements. Deontic theories and virtue theories address the consequences of the choices we make and the person we are respectively. According to the theories, a person should first assess the effects a certain decision will impact on him. For instance, as indicated earlier, we live in a society which has its set codes that govern what people do. If ones decides to deviate and follow a different path, then it means that he/she should be ready to face the consequences. Same sex marriages which include gay marriages has not been totally embraced in the society we live in. No matter what the law states about discrimination and civil rights one shall always be ready to be stigmatized when following such a path. This is an explanation of the virtue theory. The deontic theory explain what makes one who he/she is and the choices one is likely to make. Ending up in a same sex marriage is a growing process which just primes when the results are seen. Such a person may have been through circumstances that made them to get attracted to the same sex as they do. It is therefore important to check what such a person has been through before making conclusions on their sexual orientation. Social responsibility theories explain what a person, entity or organization should treat other members of the society. Through it, we understand that it should always add value to the society. By refusing to attend the ceremonies of some people based on their sexual orientation, the companies violates their social responsiveness (Mizzoni, 2008). As the law states, they should not base their service on the social orientation of the individual. References Alexander, L. (1985). Pursuing the good-Indirectly: Ethics. Social Philosophy and Policy. 7(2). Kopel, N. & Jones, A. (n.d). Firms Balk at Gay Weddings. Photographers, Bakers Face Legal Challenges after Rejecting Jobs on Religious Grounds. Mizzoni, J. (2009). Ethics: The Basics. New York: Wiley-Blackwell. Read More