Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage

As the American debate about same-sex marriage continues, an increased number of legislators have created parallel mechanisms, such as civil unions, that continue to violate the constitutional rights of homosexuals. Despite the fact that a civil union is considered the equivalent of marriage, in reality, it is unequal and unconstitutional for the homosexual population. Marriage is not just a word; it provides an intangible status that offers clarity, legal protection, and dignity to a couple. A marriage is a universal union recognized by the federal government while a civil union is recognized solely at the state level. Moreover, it lacks portability. The Declaration of Independence affirms that “all Men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, …” (Declaration of Independence). Nevertheless, while heterosexuals and homosexuals abide by the same constitution, this guaranteed affirmation is violated by the second-class status associated with a civil union. A heterosexual union—a marriage—reaps tangible benefits and protections that are not afforded to homosexuals through a civil union, since those are not recognized at the federal level. Legalizing same-sex marriage is the only pathway available to secure everyone’s constitutional rights, including homosexual citizens.
Critics of gay marriage argue that the conventional definition of marriage, a union between a man and a woman, would be ruined if such marriages were allowed. Having thus altered the definition of marriage, those critics hold that no boundaries would exist, a situation that would likely promote and encourage polygamy and incest. Ultimately, this would endanger the traditional concept of “marriage and family [which] are [to be] elevated and revered”( Bennett and Sullivan 329). Overall, this would promote practices that have the potential to send conflicting signals to children about marriage and sexuality (Bennett and...