Gay and Lesbian Marriage in America :: Same-Sex Marriage

Marriage, as both a legal institution and as a social tradition, has always been at the heart of the building blocks of Ameri nooky society. Throughout U.S. history, it has generally been understood, both legally and socially, as a monandrous union between two persons of opposite sexes. However, as the gay and homosexual liberation movement gains increasing exposure and influence, the topic of same-sex marriage has been brought to discussion. In the following pages, the legitimacy of same-sex marriages/ plane sectionnership will be discussed, as come up as the best means to achieve such an end. For the purpose here, the diction marriage and union are used interchangeably, although one might plead that to all but the most zealous, the idea of a same-sex union is more(prenominal) acceptable than gay marriage because it does not as directly face the traditional definition of marriage. Socially, the institution of marriage offers both self-respect and validation to the two partie s involved as a sign of their correlative commitment to each other. This papers predominant focus is on the legal formulation of marriage, along with the legal benefits and responsibilities that are associated with ones marital status (though excluding for the most part the child custody/adoption issue, which is another battle in itself as it involves both a third party and minors). Proven inequality in these areas can and should be addressed by changes in public policy. heathenish intolerance and private discrimination, on the other hand, cannot.There are several(prenominal) arguments against legalization of same-sex marriages, specifically 1. That homosexual behavior is fundamentally immoral or blasphemous because it does not lead to procreation and/or is condemned by spectral texts. 2. That same-sex parenting is needfully detrimental to child development. 3. That same-sex marriage will further break the already crumbling traditional heterosexual marriage as an institution. All of these arguments, however, can be unequivocally refuted.It is obvious that the strongest op office against gay marriage legalization comes from the Christian Coalition, which supposedly represents the silent Moral Majority. As the institute indicates, at the heart of such a groups rhetoric is the Holy Bible, although their position is not far away from those of the more orthodox Muslims and Jewish spiritual organizations. However, crucial distinctions must be drawn between the concepts of religion, morality, and legality what is compatible with religion is not necessarily so with morality, and what is legal is not necessarily moral. Adultery is listed as equally a sin as oddity in the Bible (both punishable by death), yet it is not a legal offense.