America; the first thing that should come to your mind is a nation of peace and equality. Sadly, our nation has taken a long time to live up to the promise of equality. Regardless of how completely their lives are entangled, individuals in same-sex relationships are treated like strangers under the law - and none are afforded full equality in this country.
So why is same-sex marriage not legal in 45 states? The explanation mentioned most often is tradition. Simply because something has always been done a certain way does not mean that it must always remain that way. Otherwise we would still have segregated schools and debtors' prisons (Olson). Allowing same-sex couples to marry will give them access to basic rights such as hospital visitation during an illness, taxation and inheritance rights, access to family health coverage, and protection in the event of the relationship ending (Freedom to Marry). Gay marriage doesn't hurt society or anyone in particular. It is a personal commitment that really is no one else's business. Society shouldn't be dictating what two people can or can't do when no one else is hurt in the process (Messerli). Same sex couples may seem different from straight couples, but share similar values - like the importance of family, worries - like making ends meet, and hopes and dreams - like finding that special someone to grow old with, and standing in front of friends and family to make a lifetime commitment (Why Marriage Matters).
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