Gay Marriage: A Moral Debate
Gay Marriage: a Moral Debate
The trivial debate on gay rights is long from being resolved because of the large difference in opinion on whether gays should be considered equal. The legalization of gay marriage has been a constant struggle for the last decade and the population still cant seem to reach a logical conclusion. Many are for equal rights for all, while some are still stuck on the definition of marriage or religion. DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, was enacted in 1996 as a federal law aimed at allowing states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages. A part of this law also banned same-sex couples from being labeled “spouses” and receiving the deserved federal and state benefits. Same-sex partners could not file taxes jointly, or receive the social security benefits of losing that partner. The battle for these rights takes on three distinctive sides, including equal rights for gays and marriage, for gay rights but not gay marriage, or against gay rights as a whole.
Kathy Belge’s “Pro Gay Marriage-Why Gay Marriage Should be Legal” is a personal article aimed at convincing the readers to sympathize with the struggles and hindrances of gay couples. Kathy Belge opens her pro-gay marriage argument with an anecdote concerning a gay couple. After talking about their wedding ceremony, she includes the fact that, “Even though the couple feels committed to each other, they have none of the legal rights that protect other married couples. If Carla becomes ill, Miriam is not guaranteed the right to be with her in the hospital.” That seems like cruel and unusual punishment, right? This opening anecdote succeeds in showing the audience the love and commitment these two women have for one another. Belge touches on the fact that these humans, being the same as everyone else, can’t quite feel normal because of the constant reminders that they are, in fact, legally different. Belge then moves forward to stating facts about gay marriage in other areas
The trivial debate on gay rights is long from being resolved because of the large difference in opinion on whether gays should be considered equal. The legalization of gay marriage has been a constant struggle for the last decade and the population still cant seem to reach a logical conclusion. Many are for equal rights for all, while some are still stuck on the definition of marriage or religion. DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, was enacted in 1996 as a federal law aimed at allowing states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages. A part of this law also banned same-sex couples from being labeled “spouses” and receiving the deserved federal and state benefits. Same-sex partners could not file taxes jointly, or receive the social security benefits of losing that partner. The battle for these rights takes on three distinctive sides, including equal rights for gays and marriage, for gay rights but not gay marriage, or against gay rights as a whole.
Kathy Belge’s “Pro Gay Marriage-Why Gay Marriage Should be Legal” is a personal article aimed at convincing the readers to sympathize with the struggles and hindrances of gay couples. Kathy Belge opens her pro-gay marriage argument with an anecdote concerning a gay couple. After talking about their wedding ceremony, she includes the fact that, “Even though the couple feels committed to each other, they have none of the legal rights that protect other married couples. If Carla becomes ill, Miriam is not guaranteed the right to be with her in the hospital.” That seems like cruel and unusual punishment, right? This opening anecdote succeeds in showing the audience the love and commitment these two women have for one another. Belge touches on the fact that these humans, being the same as everyone else, can’t quite feel normal because of the constant reminders that they are, in fact, legally different. Belge then moves forward to stating facts about gay marriage in other areas
Bibliography: 1. Belge, Kathy. "Pro Gay Marriage-Why Gay Marriage Should be Legal." About.com. N.p.. Web. 13 Oct 2013. . 2. Bailey, Sarah Pulliam. "Religious Liberty Pitted Against Gay Rights In Discrimination Lawsuits." Huff Post: Religion. Huffington Post, 08 Sept 2013. Web. 13 Oct 2013. . 3. “Anti-Gay Marriage.” Facebook.com. 08 Nov 2013. Web. 13 Oct 2013.