Growth and Development

Gay Marriage

Jonnita S Potter

Soc 120

Cari Beecham-Bautista

April 2013

Gay Marriage
I believe that as people of America we are entitled to certain rights. We should have to right to freely love whomsoever our heart desire without being judged by others. Our constitution and civil rights are in place to give us all many liberties. I am neither pro nor con gay marriage. I just believe the we all have choices and should be treated with respect inspite of the choices that we make. Gay marriage or same-sex marriage is the legal and social recognition that a joining (marriage) between two persons of the same social gender or biological sex takes place. (3) In Alaska, Nevada, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama, not only is gay marriage banned, but so are civil partnerships. California, Hawaii, New York, and the District of Columbia all have domestic partnership laws and civil partnerships meaning it is almost a marriage without the matrimony. Civil partnerships also give couples the ability to have joint bank accounts, live in the same house, and pay bills together. Homosexual couples are not entitled to this in most states. According to pew research center, “In 2012, polling finds slightly more support for same-sex marriage (48%) than opposition to it (43%). The public has gradually become more supportive of granting legal recognition to same-sex marriages over the past decade. In 2001, roughly one-third of American adults supported gay marriage (35%), while 57% opposed it.”(2)*AM I SUPPOSE TO CITE THIS WITH A NUMBER EVEN THOUGH I STATED WHERE THE INFORMATION CAME FROM?* I believe that the people who were polled feel the same way about gay marriage that I do. Who are we to say I its true love? All people should have the benefit to become one. There is and will always be a widespread effort of many to stop gay marriage. I don’t believe this debate will never end. Many argue that with divorce on the rise that same sex marriage will cause those numbers to rise. Glen Lavy, JD, senior counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, argued in a May 21, 2008 Los Angeles Times Op-Ed, "The movement for polygamy and polyamory is poised to use the successes of same-sex couples as a springboard for further de-institutionalizing marriage." Many religious groups are against gay marriage as well. They feel that it is against their bibical beliefs and morals. The Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church, Islam, United Methodist Church, Southern Baptist Convention, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, National Association of Evangelicals, and American Baptist Churches USA all oppose same-sex marriage. (6) I am a Christian. I was taught in church that God created the women for man. According to the Bible in the book of Gensis1:27 it states, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” I believe in what the bible says but, I am also for equal rights. Everyone has to give an account for what they do. Various studies indicate that homosexual behavior makes both men and women more vulnerable to disease and decreases lifespan Well; this could be true for heterosexuals as well. Regardless of your sexual orientation you should practice safe sex. I have quite a few friends who are gay. We often share our opinion on the topic with each other. Some of my friends have kids that are involved with their relationships.

References
1. Oliver, Marilyn Tower (1998). Gay and lesbian rights: a struggle. Enslow Publishers.
2. http://www.pewforum.org/Topics/Issues/Gay-Marriage-and-Homosexuality/
3. http://marriage.laws.com/gay-marriage-facts
4. Mosser, K. (2010). Introduction to ethics and social responsibility. San Diego, Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
5. http://topics.cnn.com/topics/same_sex_marriage
6. "Ballot Arguments," www.protectmarriage.com (accessed Sep. 15, 2010)

References: 1. Oliver, Marilyn Tower (1998). Gay and lesbian rights: a struggle. Enslow Publishers. 2. http://www.pewforum.org/Topics/Issues/Gay-Marriage-and-Homosexuality/ 3. http://marriage.laws.com/gay-marriage-facts 4. Mosser, K. (2010). Introduction to ethics and social responsibility. San Diego, Bridgepoint Education, Inc. 5. http://topics.cnn.com/topics/same_sex_marriage 6. "Ballot Arguments," www.protectmarriage.com (accessed Sep. 15, 2010)