The Gay Marriage Debate.....

Gay marriage has slowly become a significant factor amongst individuals of today’s society. Similarly, this leads to the discussion of homosexuals having the right to marry in society. Ultimately, conflict from the opposing position of ‘against’ gay marriage may arise that gay marriage can destroy the concept of marriage and mock the importance of procreation. In reference to this; everyone in society has the right to marry regardless of gender, thus it should be socially acceptable. However, this is why it is significant to discuss both sides of the argument, regardless of if you are ‘for’ or ‘against’ gay marriage in society. In relation to homosexuals, contradiction constantly arises that gay marriage should not be legalized. However, homosexuals do not necessarily want to get marriage but may just want the justification of having equal rights. Thus, in the case if homosexuals do want to marry at some stage of their relationship, according to Nagle, “people say that banning same sex marriage is not only unfair, but it is also discriminatory” (2010, p.31). In society, denying individuals rights due to their gender, race or sexual orientation is consequently classified as discrimination. Alternatively, to go against gay marriage and not allowing either two females or to males getting married to one another can become a form of illegal discrimination towards society. It is simply giving equal rights to homosexuals and not judging or blocking them out of the marriage institution. Homosexuals who are not married are just as committed in their relationship as heterosexual married couples are. Individuals may think that preventing homosexual couples from getting married deteriorates the institution of marriage. However, as society begins to accept homosexuality and homosexuals become openly about their relationships to one another, they become more valued members within their communities and the distinction between living together or being married seems to become a disappearance. As for homosexual couples who want to build and raise a family, adoption is the most popular action to partake in and socially this should be accepted within the rights of society. As part of the ‘against’ position, a discussion will be made in relation to children needed both a mother and a father figure. However, in the context of gay parenting, it is not always that a child needs both a mother and a father figure. In society, either two mothers or two fathers can raise children. As long as they are responsible and love their children, children can be raised just the same as heterosexual couples that have children. It can become noticeable that there are many issues constantly affecting gay and lesbian parenting. There is no grounded evidence that mentions that children are affected with same sex parents. Various assumptions can be put into context that children are affected physically, socially and psychologically, but homosexual couples who want to experience in raising a family should be allowed that same right as heterosexual couples. In Mezey’s book about gay families, Mallon states that “it is estimated that there are as many as ten million children living in families with gay, lesbian or bisexual single parents or couples” (Mezey, 2009, p.11). Alternatively, it becomes that more so as studies show, it is not normal for children to be involved with same sex parents. However, in reference to the notion of love within same sex couples, according to Ritchie and Baker, they suggest that “people are expected to have one ‘lover’ and anyone else should fall into the category of a ‘friend’, with strict cultural rules around what behavior is appropriate in a friendship” (2006, p. 592). Similarly, this statement can be overturned and be seen in the context of same sex couples. Individuals against gay marriage may reiterate and say that ‘lovers’ are considered as man and woman. However, why neglect a lesbian loving her female friend? Gay and Lesbian communities should be respected and seen as any other normal individual. Similarly, individuals who choose to be homosexual are considered as their own personal choice and society needs to respect their choices to allow equal rights. Overall, for years people see marriage as only man and woman. As mentioned earlier, the notion of ‘equality’ needs to be considered and respected amongst society. Marriage becomes a legal and public documentation of love and the ultimate trust that two people share with one another. Ultimately, anyone should be able to marry whom he or she wishes to marry.


This is only my take on Gay Marriage.  I know there are a lot of different opinions and if you would like to share yours in the comments then I welcome you too.