After attending the same-sex marriage debate, I am interested in hearing what everyone's views are. Same-sex marriage is legal in California, Massachsetts, and Connecticut. There is much dispute as to whether the legalization should be recognized by all states, or if it should be abolished all together. Many people don't think that it should be morally accepted in society. Many religions are against homosexuality. Proposition 8 was created in hopes of making an amendment to the Constitution to define marriage as strictly being made between a man and a woman.
I think that no law should require people to change their sexual orientation. It's not ethical making people force or change their relationships. Marriage entails the same committments, obligations, and vows regardless of whether it's a traditional couple or same-sex. It isn't right to say that gay marriage is inferior to traditional; all marriages should be treated equally. There are 1,138 statuatory provisions for tax laws in which marital status is involved. I think that the government should grant the same tax benefits and guarantees for ALL marriages. A big question at the debate was if same-sex couples could legitimately raise children. I think that you're sexual orientation doesn't dictate if you and your partner are fit to raise a child. As long as there is a stable and committed, loving home environment, then it shouldn't be an issue. If a single parent can take care of a child, then there's no reason why a same-sex couple shouldn't be able to as well.
I think that same sex marriages should be legally accepted. People should be allowed to choose who they marry. What happened to the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for ALL?
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I am not against homosexuals living the lifestyle they wish to live but by them being able to get married infringes on a few things this country is about and that every person is entitled to.
First off, do not forget why and what this country was founded upon... the pilgrims came to this land looking for freedom of religion. Freedom of religion will be challenged if prop 8 does not pass. If homosexuals are allowd to marry then churches and religous institutions will be affected by having to change their doctrines on the matter, which automatically forces thousands to forfeit core values and beliefs.
Second, as mentioned in class, every single child should have the right to a loving mother and father who created them out of love wanting to take responsibility for the rearing of the child. Even though in many cases this doesnt happen for whatever reason, every child still deserves a chance at that. Legalizing of gay marriage will instantly take that right away from children.
There are also many who have their beliefs and values that are wedding photographers, or caterers and if they choose not to work a gay wedding they could be sued for discrimination just for standing up for what they believe in.
I am not against gay people and their lifestyle, but i am against the legalization of gay marriage for the sake of Americans.. born and unborn.
The Pilgrims fled England because of the persecution they endured for their practices and beliefs. The Founding Fathers did not forget this fundamental tenant of American society and thus, Freedom of Religion was included in the first amendment of our constitution.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Our nation was meant to be a place for people of any belief, and therefore our government was meant to be free from the influence of religious organizations. Additionally, in the spirit of this openness and freedom, our government may not pass laws which oppress its citizens' religious views and practices.
Claiming that Proposition 8 is, in any manner, a protection of the first amendment is simply preposterous. The legalization of gay marriage in no way threatens the first amendment right to the freedom of religion. Even if gay marriage were legal in our country, the clergy of the various faiths would be, in no way, required to perform ceremonies for individuals of a sexual orientation they disagree with nor could the government require those religions to change their doctrines. That is exactly what Freedom of Religion protects against.
To the point of children, adoption rates are the lowest they've been since they peaked in the 1970's. There are children in foster homes and in state care who never receive the benefit of a real family before they reach adulthood because there are just not enough couples out their willing to adopt. Would you tell those children there was no one willing to adopt them simply because there are no heterosexual couples available or interested? If a gay couple is loving, and willing to adopt, is it fair to deny those children that chance?
This all comes down to a matter of Civil Rights. In religion, marriage is a sacred union. When it comes to lawmaking, marriage is a legal and economic pairing. Marriage allows the couple to share health insurance, benefits, tax breaks meant to reward the stability of a family unit, the right to visit their loved one in the hospital, etc. Homosexuals only want laws that establish rights for them equal to those of more traditional couples. They aren't asking others to redefine their own morals or religious beliefs. They aren't asking others to hop on the gay band wagon with them. They simply want the same rights and privileges afforded everyone else in our country.
Take a look at what happened with the mormons and polygamy... the mormons practiced polygamy for several years. A law was passed saying that it was now illegal to practice polygamy... the mormons then stopped practicing.
Once same sex marriage becomes sanctioned by the state, it becomes law. Once that happens it will be upheld by the state and the state will have to go after anyone who does not uphold that law. Religions and churches will be sanctioned for teaching against homosexuality. Which means churches will be required to stop teaching doctrine against homosexuality.
"The State will have to sanction a religion for teaching its own doctrine, even if it's against the tenets of their chosen religious beliefs, upheld by the US constitution. Those teachings will become injurious to the rights of others." (this quote was found on a website called the connection.)
I am not going to comment on the same sex marriage controversey right now.I do however, want to mention that when the average straight person talks about individuals with same sex preferences the word "they" or "them" is used. I just want everybody to know that these individuals are not some strange bread of creature. Homesexual individuals are human too! i am really disturbed when people say "they" or "them" like they are some different class of human, or some kind of plague. I am especially mentioning this after our debate in class. I constantly heard "they" or "them" making it seem like homosexuals only account for a group and not individual people with rights and feelings. Just remember that homosexual individuals are just as important and have just as much influence as a straight individual.
Paige,
I don't know if anyone intended for the use of the pronouns "they" and "them" to discriminate. If you recall from one of our earlier classes the use of pronouns helps the conversation (or piece of writing) not sound so repetitive. If I were to say "homosexual individuals should be free to marry whomever, homosexual individuals see fit." The subject has already been established, so it's quicker and flows better just to use pronouns. It would be the same thing if we were talking about the old south and the slavery issue. Once the subject of African-American slaves is established pronouns are a-okay! :)
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