Essay On Civil Marriage Vs Civil Unions

682 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Rights to gays and lesbians

Marriage Benefits vs. Civil Union Benefits
What is the difference between marriage and civil unions? There are many differences, mostly consisting of the benefits that married couples get that couples in civil unions do not receive. Marriage is different for homosexual and heterosexual couples. Even when homosexuals are married they do not receive the same benefits as heterosexual married couples. What if couples in a civil union could have the same benefits as a married couple?
When heterosexual couples get married they get certain benefits such as employee, medical, and estate. Meaning they can leave work in case of an emergency with their spouse and also get insurance for themselves and their spouse. Married couples also get the benefit of bigger tax returns and also money transferred to their account if their spouse dies. Homosexual couples do not get the privilege of being married therefore they do not get the benefits that come along with marriage.
People are against gay marriage for multiple reasons. Most are just against the idea that two people of the same sex can fall in love and become a family. Or because people don’t want homosexuals to be allowed the same benefits that heterosexual couple can have. According to a recent survey by the Gallop Organization, forty-three percent of Americans are opposed to same-sex marriage (Morin).
Since homosexual couples cannot get married in certain states; some states allow civil unions. Civil unions were created in 2000 in Vermont to give some responsibilities and legal protection to homosexual couples (Wolfson). Recently, civil unions have been declared as ineffective because it has created a second class citizenship. A civil union does very little for homosexual couples and do...

... middle of paper ...

...ad more meaning to them then everyone will get what they want. Same sex marriage is a thing of the future, it will happen no matter what. People just need a common ground to look at. And that common ground is being able to be considered a family with the one you love no matter what gender they are. And having better tax benefits and increasing the economy so everyone lives a better life.

Works cited
"Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships: A Comparison." EqualityMaine. Equality Maine, n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.
"Freedom To Marry." Marriage vs. Civil Union or Domestic Partnership. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.
"Gay+and+lesbian+rights." TheFreeDictionary.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.
Morin, Rich. "Study: Opposition to Same-sex Marriage May Be Understated in Public Opinion Polls." Pew Research Center RSS. N.p., 30 Sept. 2013. Web. 03 Apr. 2014.

Show More
Related

  • Persuasive Essay: Legalizing Gay Marriage

    1384 Words  | 3 Pages

    Allowing homosexual couples to get married will bring in more marriages and a bigger amount of money to the economy. A big part of getting married is the financial aspect of it. "Marriage ceremonies entail a significant expense, and it was estimated by the Comptroller of New York that the added infusion from legalizing same sex couple marriages would add $142 million to the economy. This not only accounts for the profits that businesses will receive if same-sex marriage is allowed, but also for the payments these couples must make to acquire marriage licenses."

    Read More

  • Let's Fulfill the American Dream Through a Good Marriage

    603 Words  | 2 Pages

    Throughout the years marriage has drifted from its original meaning, which is described as, "the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife," by Oxford Dictionary. Today, marriage can be formed between people of opposite sex, people of the same sex, a man and multiple women, and many more. Many people disagree with forms of marriage other than heterosexual marriage. This is because they go against religious beliefs, as well as alter the true meaning of marriage. People who claim to be "Christians" who are, or support homosexuality, are directly going against God. Marriage is supposed to be a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, therefore, anything other than heterosexual marriage is naturally, morally and religiously wrong.

    Read More

  • Interracial Marriage in the United States

    1226 Words  | 3 Pages

    Marriage, as an institution, has evolved in the last few decades. As society progresses, the ideas and attitudes about marriage have shifted. Today, individuals are able to choose their partners and are more likely marry for love than convenience. While individuals are guaranteed the right to marry and the freedom to choose their own partners, it has not always been this way. Starting from colonial times up until the late 1960’s, the law in several states prohibited interracial marriages and unions. Fortunately, in 1967, a landmark case deemed such laws as unconstitutional. Currently, as society progresses, racism and social prejudice have decreased and interracial marriages have become, not only legal, but also widely accepted.

    Read More

  • Gay Marriage Essay

    832 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Legalization of Gay Marriage in America; not for the Homosexual People, but for all People of America.

    Read More

  • Summary Of The Supreme Court Case Of Obergefell V. Hodges

    1123 Words  | 3 Pages

    Wolf, Richard. “Timeline: Same-Sex marriage through the years.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 26 June 2015,

    Read More

  • Legalization of Gay Marriage

    1301 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are many facts and statistics about gay marriage and the numbers are astonishing to read. Such as, only 11 countries currently allow same sex marriage and they include, Argentina, Canada, Belgium, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, South Africa, the Netherlands, and some states in the United States. There are 38 states that have been able to ban homosexual marriage by constitutional amendments, state law, or both. Civil unions only grant some of the rights of civil marriages, but they do not get the important federal benefits or marriage. Some of those benefits include spousal support, medical decision making rights, hospital visitation privileges, and access to partners insurance. These facts and more are not right, because if the tides were turned heterosexual marriages w...

    Read More

  • Defense of Traditional Marriage by Ryan T. Anderson

    920 Words  | 2 Pages

    Johnston, R. (2013). Marriage and the Metaphysics of Bodily Union: Framing the Same-Sex Marriage Debate. Social Theory and Practice, Vol. 39, No. 2 (April 2013): 288-312 DOI: 10.5840/soctheorpract201339216.

    Read More

  • The Evolution of Marriage

    2099 Words  | 5 Pages

    Marriage is a “socially recognized and approved union between individuals, who commit to one another with the expectations of a stable and lasting intimate relationship. It begins with a ceremony known as a wedding which formally unites marriage partners. A marital relationship usually involves some kind of contract, either written or specified by tradition, which defines the partners’ rights and obligations to each other, to any children they may have, and to their relatives. In most contemporary industrialized societies, marriage is certified by the government,” (Skolnick, 2005). Marriage is also an important institution because of the impact it has on society. Marriage is the main way that reproduction of human life occurs. In some societies it is tradition for family heirlooms or things of value be passed on through marriage. Marriage also serves as a healthy way to have intimate relationships with an individual. In most places a marriage exists between two people of the opposite sex. However, the legal definition of marriage is currently being challenged by many. According to Skolnick’s article a marriage can be defined by responsibilities that a couple would share, some examples are: living together, having sexual relations, sharing money and financial responsibilities, and having a child together. The issue is that homosexual couples can do these things like heterosexual couples.

    Read More

  • Essay On Gay Marriage

    1189 Words  | 3 Pages

    Why isn’t gay marriage legal yet? How does gay marriage affect people that aren’t gay? Why does it matter to those people? Why can’t gay people have the same rights as straight people? Gay marriage should be legal worldwide. Gay marriage or same-sex marriage is when a man and man or women and a woman get married. Same-sex marriage impacts society in different types of ways, some people are affected by it because they think it is against the bible, others seem to have no impact or problem with same-sex marriage. However for the gay community it affects them, because in some states they are not allowed to marry the one they are in love with it. Also it impacts them because there are groups of people against same-sex marriage and the gay community is constantly being judged by people opposed to same-sex marriage. Seventeen states have legalized same-sex marriage; Thirty-three states banned same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage provides a more stable environment for children of gay couples. Legalizing same-sex marriage does not affect or harm heterosexual marriages. Marriage is a union of love, not a union of genders.

    Read More

  • Same Sex Marriage

    748 Words  | 2 Pages

    Gay and lesbian unions have been for a long time a subject that no one liked to discuss. For the last few decades, gays and lesbians have come out and expressed their sexuality preferences. Many believe that same sex marriage should not be legalized because it's against the moral. It's against the definition of marriage, which is considered as the union of a man and a woman as a husband and wife. Same sex marriage should be legalized because the way society views the union of lesbian and gays can a change. Another reason why same sex marriage should be legalized is that children that are issued from a gay or lesbian couple will be loved and raised in a family that is legally recognized under the law. Lesbians and gays also deserve to have the same rights as heterosexuals.

    Read More

  • Gay Marriage Should be Legal

    2010 Words  | 5 Pages

    There are many opponents of gay people as it is, and they all have their reasons to dislike the idea of permitting them get married. One of the main reasons is that the primary purpose of marriage is procreation. Because gay couples are unable to have children, they should not be allowed to marry (Schiffen 495). Another main argument is that the word marriage means the union of one man and one woman. This is a long-standing theme of most major Western religions. Under a proposed bill known as the Defense of Marriage act, marriage is defined as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.” Furthermore, it defines a spouse as “ a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife” (What 1). Under these guidelines, it is quite obvious that gay couples would not be eligible for marriage. People against homosexual marriage also say that it is a person’s choice to be gay. Since the individual chooses to be a homosexual, they should not be given special privileges. Another argument that you hear is that these couples should not get married simply because of the torment and ridicule they would be faced with in their everyday lives. There are news reports from across America telling about how a gay person was beaten or killed just because they were looked at as different. Some of these people would end up the target of verbal abuse and maybe even physical abuse, just because some heterosexual people see them as different.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Same Sex Marriage

    711 Words  | 2 Pages

    In recent years, same-sex marriage has become a more controversial topic on whether it’s right or wrong. People should not feel coerced to agree with something they believe is wrong; clearly, same-sex marriage is immoral and unnatural. Many complications come with same-sex marriages including financial pressures, social pressures, moral pressures, and health risks.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Same Sex Marriage

    884 Words  | 2 Pages

    Firstly I will discuss the reasons for marriage equality. I argue marriage equality is in the best interest for family life. Allowing homosexuals to form stable committed relationships through marriage would allow for healthier homosexual relationships. You can’t prevent people from being homosexual however giving those people the right to marry can help them experience greater personal happiness. Studies have suggested that not only does legalizing marriage in an area generally make homosexual individuals in that area happier; it also makes them physically and mentally healthier and saves them money on health care (Hatzenbuehler, O’Cleirigh, Grasso, Mayer, Safren, & Bradford, 20012). I don’t see any compelling reason to take away the joy homosexuals get from marriage, this is one of the many reasons I support marriage equality.

    Read More

  • Same Sex Marriage Is Not Acceptable

    873 Words  | 2 Pages

    Homosexuals believe that no sin is greater than the other and that people against same sex marriage are sinning for judging them. The bible states “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Only God can judge and he has the last say. God loves everyone equally the same and they feel like if God can still love them, why cannot we. Therefore, homosexuals who want to be married just want the same rights and treatments as heterosexuals.

    Read More

  • Same-Sex Marriage

    990 Words  | 2 Pages

    Denying people to get married is a form of discrimination. People are being treated differently because of their sexual orientation and it is morally wrong. Gay marriage has no effect on heterosexuals. So why are so many heterosexuals against it? The arguments against gay marriage are unreasonable. Some believe that being gay is unnatural or influences children to be gay. Studies show that there is no difference between children raised by same sex or straight couples.

    Read More

More about Essay On Civil Marriage Vs Civil Unions

Open Document