Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage, and the laws for it and against it, have been a very
controversial topic throughout many years. Although during this time it has been
especially highlighted and brought to attention. There are many reasons that support
the idea, but also many reasons that are against the concept of same-sex or gay
marriage. Through research I have looked at both sides of this topic and the pros and
cons. In my paper I will be presenting each side and the arguments they have, as well
as my own personal opinion on this very controversial topic. I will also specifically be
looking at why same-sex marriage is banned, and why it is such a big issue for different
people.
Should gay marriage be legal? The question that is asked by many and
answered positively by few. The topic of homosexual individuals has been very debated
not only about the marriage side of it, but in general. From the idea that being
homosexual is sinful or wrong, I disagree on. Although both sides have good arguments
as to why they believe what they do, I favor the side of supporting same-sex couples
and homosexual people. By banning or not allowing same-sex couples to marry, you
are ultimately taking away their right to marriage as well as discriminating against them.
Same-sex couples should be allowed to publicly celebrate their commitment in
the same way as heterosexual couples. (Gay Marriage Procon.org) Marriage is a one
of the biggest milestones in someone's life. By not allowing gay couples to marry they
are taking that away from them; even if the couple is just allowed to be together that
isnt enough. Why not give them the extra step of marrying if someone already allows
them to be together? Sure being together is great and allowing them to be a couple, but

not allowing them to marry. Some people may argue that gay couples shouldnt marry
because they can not reproduce, but if the only reason for people to marry is to have
children than infertile couples shouldnt get married either.
Many other countries have this same debate not just America. I wanted to
research more about which countries and states allowed and didnt allow gay marriage,
and this is what I found. 17 out of the 50 states actually grant same-sex couples the
privilege of marrying; that leaves 33 states without any support for same-sex marriage.
Only 3 out of the 17 states allowing gay marriage were won over by popular vote; the
rest either by court decision or state legislation. After finding that out I was a bit startled
that not even half of the states have allowed gay marriage to take place. It was also
startling and upsetting to see that more states have an anti-gay constitutional
amendment than there are states that are pro-gay. Not only did I look into how many
states, I also looked at countries. Sixteen countries now have the freedom to marry for
same-sex couples nationwide (Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa,
Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, France, Brazil, Uruguay, New
Zealand, and Britain), while two others have regional or court-directed provisions
enabling same-sex couples to share in the freedom to marry (Mexico and the United
States). (Freedom to Marry)
Although, yes I do support same-sex marriage, I went ahead and looked at the
other sides points and arguments in which I will be also presenting and describing. The
first and foremost reason that is brought to attention when discussing same-sex
marriage, is that marriage is traditionally meant to be between a man and a woman.
Another argument that is often used is the idea that it is not right in the church and that

it goes against the Bible and many religions. Although yes it is written in the Bible that
homosexuality is wrong and sinful, that is not all it states in that passage. Or do you
not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:
neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice
homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers
will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you
were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit
of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 As the verses state, not only is it solely talking about
homosexuality it is always talking about: idolaters, adulterers, thieves, the greedy and
more. Many just take part of the scripture instead of taking the whole thing for what it is.
The verse is basically stating that we are all sinful and wrong, but through God we are
justified.
Same-sex marriage, wrong or right? That is still the question that is often
debated, spoken about, and ripped apart. Through this research paper I was personally
trying to find the reasons to why same-sex marriage is banned and why it is such a big
issue. I believe by presenting and discussing each side I have learned more about this
topic, but I still stand by my opinion on it. My point wasnt to completely tear down one
side, but rather to fully understand it and the concepts it brings. All in all, same-sex
couples, in my opinion, should be given the right of marriage.