Same-sex marriage is a debated subject throughout the Church, as well as the state. There are two different sides surrounding this debate; one side dealing with a religious view and the other with the state (Constitution). In the United States, laws dealing with marriage are ratified by each state, not by the federal government as a whole. Yet, marriage is viewed differently through the eyes of religion. Each religion has its own views about same-sex marriage. For example, the Roman Catholic Church undeniably opposes same-sex marriage; Pope Francis said, “Marriage is between a man and a woman.” Yet he continues by saying, "We have to look at different cases and evaluate them in their variety" (Burke). The Church under no circumstance condones same-sex marriage, however Pope Francis does not say that the people contributing to this lifestyle will go to hell. The answer to this debate is to legalize same-sex marriage under the Constitution, yet not be accepted by the Roman Catholic Church. In other words, have the government legalize same-sex marriage, since there is no purpose or religious affiliation not to, but have the Church remain against it, as it always has been. The first laws that were passed enabling same-sex couples to marry began in the early 21st century. The first state within the United States to legalize same-sex marriage was Massachusetts. After a ruling in a case named Goodridge vs. Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Constitution found that allowing only couples of the opposite sex to marry was unconstitutional. In 1970, another keen case named Baker vs. Nelson occurred. In this particular incident, two students from the University of Minnesota, Richard John Baker and James Michael Mc... ... middle of paper ... ...Questia School. 2 Print. 2014. "Gay Marriage Timeline - Gay Marriage - ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. N.p., 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2014 Martin, Dale B., eds. Authorizing Marriage? : Canon, Tradition, and Critique in the Blessing of Same-Sex Unions. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 2006. Questia School. Print. 2 Feb. 2014. Ritchie, John. "10 Reasons Why Homosexual “Marriage” is Harmful and Must be Opposed." TFP Student Action. n.p., n.d. Web. May 14th, 2013. “Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?" Gay Marriage ProCon Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2014. "U.S. Bishops Urge National Catholic Support for Federal Marriage Amendment." Catholic News Agency. N.p., 4 Apr. 2006. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. Wardle, Lynn D. "The Movement To Substitute Generic Adult Intimate "Relationships" For "Marriage”." Marriage and Same-sex Unions: A Debate. Westport, CT: Praeger, 2003. 195. Print.
"Prayer has been banished from schools and the ACLU rampages to remove “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance. Moreover, “Separation of Church and State” is nowhere found in the Constitution or any other founding legislation. Our forefathers would never countenance the restrictions on religion exacted today." -- Bill Flax, Forbes, 2011
ProCon.org. "16 States with Legal Gay Marriage and 33 States with Same-Sex Marriage Bans." ProCon.org. 20 Nov. 2013. Web. 5 Dec. 2013.
In his article “Sacred Rite or Civil Right?” Howard Moody tackles the controversial issue of the definition of marriage and inclusion of same-sex marriage into that definition. The real issue that takes center stage is the not so clear separation between the church and the state. Moody, an ordained Baptist minister, shares his belief that it’s only a matter of time that civil law is once again redefined and homosexual marriage is recognized just as much as heterosexual marriage. The gay marriage debate he suggests isn’t focused on the relationship between such couples and is more about how to define such unions as a “marriage”. (353)
Wolf, Richard. “Timeline: Same-Sex marriage through the years.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 26 June 2015,
Gay marriage is a hotly debated issue in today's society. Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett offer opposing views in the June 3, 1996 edition of Newsweek. Sullivan's article, “Let Gays Marry,” offers several arguments supporting the issues of same sex marriage. Bennett counters in his article, “Leave Marriage Alone,” that same sex marriages would be damaging to the sanctity of marriage. Each author presents several reasons for the positions they defend and bring up valid points to defend their opinions. William Bennett and Andrew Sullivan share a mutual respect for the values and sacredness of the bond of marriage. Their disagreements stem from who they believe should be allowed to marry.
Same-sex marriage is one of the leading political topics in the United States today. There is an ongoing dispute pertaining to the legalization of same-sex marriages. America has shifted its head to focusing on supporting same-sex marriage or not. Many are for and against this topic but there has been no settlement for it yet. Homosexuals want to marry for the same reason that heterosexuals have and there should be no reason why they are not allowed to. There is some history behind this topic but there has yet to be a solution.
This essay explores further changes that may lie ahead as same-sex marriage debates increasingly affect both family law and the convivial construal’s of marriage. Marriage as an institution has transmuted most dramatically because of the cumulative effects of the last half century of de-gendering family law. Same-sex marriage and perhaps even more so, the highly visible cultural debate over it is contributing to this process.
“The Top Six Arguments against Gay Marriage (and Why They All Fail)." Tribunedigital-chicagotribune. N.p., 20 May 2012. Web. 10 Aug. 2015.
One of the most controversial issues around today is gay marriages. Many believe that the media is primly responsible for the idea of same-sex marriages, but when it all comes down to it there are really only two sides; those who support gay marriages, and those who oppose them. Two authors write their opinions on their opposite views on this issue. Sullivan (2002) supports same-sex marriages and believes marriage to be a universal right, not just restricted to heterosexuals. Contrary to Sullivan, Bennett (2002) believes that marriage is a sacred traditional family value that should be set aside for heterosexual couples. (2002)Throughout this essay, I will summarize both authors’ ideas and evaluate them through their evidence and styles.
Recently, Same Sex Marriage has become a major issue in the United States. There are variations in opinions concerning the topic. The main concern is should same sex marriage be allowed or declared unconstitutional. Plenty of conservatives are completely against gay marriage and many of liberals are fighting for equal treatment. Many controversies and arguments have developed from this issue. There are many reasons why gay marriage should be legal or illegal.
"List of Pros and Cons of Gay Marriage." Occupytheory. N.p., 22 Dec. 2014. Web. 18 May
“On June 26, 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is a right protected by the US Constitution in all 50 states. Same-sex marriage was already legal in 37 states. US public opinion had shifted significantly over the years, from 27% approval of gay marriage in 1996 to 60% in 2015” (Silver).
Stark, Caitlin. “By the Numbers: Same-sex marriage”. CNNlibrary. 12 May 2012. Web. 24 April 2014.
In conclusion I argue that banning same-sex marriage is discriminatory. It is discriminatory because it denies homosexuals the many benefits received by heterosexual couples. The right to marriage in the United States has little to do with the religious and spiritual meaning of marriage. It has a lot to do with social justice, extending a civil right to a minority group. This is why I argue for same-sex marriage. The freedom to marry regardless of gender preference should be allowed.
Vogt, Brandon. “10 Rebuttals to Arguments for Same-Sex Marriage”. Our Sunday Visitor: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 13 Jan. 2013. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.