Same Sex Marriage
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Same Sex Marriage
Same sex marriage is a very controversial subject in our society today. In a traditional society, people recognize marriage as a commitment between one man and one woman. In the 21st century love has redefined by many people. Homosexual relationships are commonly seen almost everywhere. Since the public is slow begin to accept the existence of homosexual relationships, the problem now is whether or not the state can legalize this relationship. There are many who support this issue and there are just as many who oppose it.
Among the protestors, President George W. Bush, Jr. as a figure of our secular side of society is one who strongly opposes homosexual marriages. On February 24, 2004 at 10:43 A.M. EST, President Bush addressed he people of the United States, calling for a constitutional amendment protecting marriage. He started by saying, ” Good morning. Eight Years ago, Congress passed, and President Clinton signed, the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage for purposes of federal law as the legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.”
Secondly, almost all sacred and religious communities do not tolerate same sex marriage. It is a sinful act, claims Joe Messerli in one of his arguments. Because our law is based on religious theories and ideas, both civil and religious sides should not give recognition to same sex marriage.
Third, Joe Messerli claims, “It will further weaken the traditional family values essential to our society”. According to him, our society build by traditional family of man, woman, and children. “It is what sustained us through two world wars, a great depression, and numerous other challenges over the years”. Furthermore, Messerli claims that family is always there through good times and bad times. As a result, by legalizing same sex marriage will further weaken family values as a result.
On the contrary, many people believe we should allow homosexual marriages. For one thing, by denying homosexuals the rights and privileges of marriage, the 9th amendment is rendered useless. Amendment 14 states, “No states shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges of immunities of citizens of the United States”. Primarily, it violates the 1st amendment, which protects citizens religious views.
Moreover, many supporters believe that same sex couples should be allowed to enjoy marriage benefits such as joint ownership, medical decision, and tax deduction. By denying marriage benefits to homosexual couples, under an extreme circumstances, the other partner cannot make decisions such as should a surgery be done to save the other. Finally, “denying these marriage is a form of minority discrimination”. For example, the fight for the rights of homosexuals is the same as the fight for the rights of African American. In the past, African American stood against the society to fight for their rights because they were not legally recognized as husband and wife. Interracial marriages were illegal in the past, just like same sex marriages are illegal or perhaps unrecognized by society. How can people be so blind to allow history to repeat itself?
Perhaps people can argue on this issue forever, but the bottom line is which side has a legitimate and sound argument. This is when the study of logic plays its role. In examining these