User talk:Ljhughes3

Luther Hughes III Period 2 Government December 14, 2008

Same-sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage is good for everyone, because it hurts nobody. The society is benefited from it, and same-sex marriage benefits from society. People are afraid of something new, something different because they're used to the same old thing. But these days things are changing and people aren't used to it. Same-sex marriage is best for everyone and should be legalized. The subject of same-sex marriage causes many arguments and questions. Same-sex marriage is a subject that most people try to avoid because it touches so many hearts and minds. For this matter there are many argumetns against gay marriage. One argument agaisnt gay marriage is for the sake of families. It would weaken family values and family traditions. The building blocks of our society is based on the strong tradition of a father, mother, and children. And the main reason that families these days are weak is because of the weakness of family traditions. Another form of "family" would make it a worse situation (5). Other arugments against consist of children matters. If same-sex marriage were to be legalized that will mean teachers across the nation would be required to teach that gay marriage is morally equivalent to a traditional marriage. Even conservative state will have to teach that a man/man and woman/woman marriage is ok. Also childrens stories will have to be made for those in elementary school as well for kindergartners so they can start learning about gay marriage (1). The third argument, and the most common argument is religion. Most religions consider homosexuality a sin (5). Christianity is a big religion that most people use against gay marriage. The family has been God's vehicle for evangilism since the begining. The younger generation and of those who havent been born yet will be deprived of the Good News, just like other European countries. Most children,instead of having a mother and a father, will either be fatherless or motherless because of a man/man or woman/woman relationship (1). Many people use these arguments everytime the subject of same-sex marriage arises.

Federalism is a constitutional prinicpal where the state and central powers are divided. So the decision to make same-sex legal is up to the states. Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA is a bill stating that the states of the US to decide whether or not they want to legalize same-sex marriage. The US Code states that when saying "marriage" they're referring to a man and woman (2). By 2004 39 states have adopted the DOMA legislation.States such as Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusets and Oregon have allowed same-sex marriage (8). On August 27, 2004 the court case Kerrigan v. State a lawsuit was filed against seven couples who said they were allowed to get married under the Connecticut Constitution. But it was brought forth that Connecticut does not have a DOMA. Hince on October 10, 2008, the Supreme Court ruled that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional (3). Other states, such as California has banned same-sex marriage. The act Proposition 8 simply states, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid is recognized in California." (9) 40 states have forbidden same-sex marriage. Some of these staes have went beyond just denying same-sex marriage. In Flordia it is forbidden for same-sex couples to even adopt. Other states, such as Utah, won't allow unmarried couples to adopt, which is mainly aimed toward same-sex couples who can't marry in that state. New Hampshire is one the few states that allow Many acts and laws have been passed by states regarding same-sex marriage.

Other arguments have arose on the terms of same-sex marriage. Some more ludacris than others. Homosexualiy is not natural, such as eyeglasses, polyester, and birth control. Heterosexual couples are more valid to have children because they're fertile. Same-sex couple and old couple are both infertile so they shouldn't be able to marry. Heterosexual marriages have been around for along time, since then things haven't changed; blacks can't marry whites and women are property (6). These arguments are beyond ridiculous but they are unintelligent. Same-sex marriage should be legalized simply because of people's individual right to pursue happiness. It also helps out the common good because people would riot as much as they would now. John Locke stated that people should never be denied their natural rights; life, liberty and property. Property was later changed into pursuit of happiness. Allowing same-sex marriage is good for the common good. If same-sex marriage is allowed there wouldn't be riots or there wouldn't be so much discontent. Denying people the right to get married is denying people's love. The only thing that matters in marriage is love, the love people have for one another. Marriage is a commintment to someone saying that they want to be with them for the rest of their life and promise to love them (5). Popular sovereignty is another constitutional principal where the people are the most important source of power. But if the most important power can't even have their opinion matter what's the point of having the people as the most important source of power. The people should be able to decide whether or not it should be legalized and then propose a reason why it should be. Denying marriage between the same sex is not only an act against love, but it's an act against equality. Denying same-sex marriage is a form of discrimination. The United States was founded saying the majoriy wins, but the rights of the minorities should be protected. It is the main reason why we have the Bill of Rights, as well as abolishing slavery and equal protection amendments. Not allowing same-sex marriage is the same as denying Blacks and Hispanics not to get married (5). Again the biggest argument against same-sex marriage is religion. Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (11). Most people who are agaisnt same-sex marriage would use this passage from the bible. But why is it that people of religious background can't have some leeway towards same-sex marriage. In 2006 Bishop from Episcopal Church decided to have a convention for gays and lesbians. She was trying to improve the relationship between homosexuals and the Anglican Communion. But the convention fell short and was a failure (12). Same-sex marriage should be allowed because of the common good and because of the individual rights. Many people may have arguments against it, but nothing can be worse than denying somebody the ultimate act of love. Same-sex marriage is simply allowing two people who love each other to get married. And denying this act is denying them their natural rights.