Gay Marriages

Should We Allow Gay Couples to Legally Marry?

Marriage has been defined as a legal and religious union between a man and woman. It is also defined as an expression of love between two people. With some states have having ceremonies called civil unions, it is allowing a form of marriage for gay couples with out having a real marriage. According to the Constitution if one state makes a law, other states must recognize it. So if one state allows a gay marriage all other states must recognize union, even if the state law bans gay marriages. For this reason many politicians are calling for a change the Constitution. One main question is at the epicenter of this debate: Should we allow gay couples to legally marry?

In Sullivan's article he states: Marriage is not simply a private commitment; it is a social and public recognition of a private commitment. As such it is the highest public recognition of personal integrity. As a public institution it should be available to any two citizens (pg. 118).

One of the main arguments for gay marriages is that marriage should be about love and if two people love each other they should be allowed to marry. The purpose of marriage is not to bear children. If a heterosexual couple is not able to have children they are still allowed to marry; so why shouldn't a gay couple be allowed to marry?

Another point that Sullivan makes is that are on the issue of such things as tax filing status, property ownership, insurance benefits, adoption rights, veteran's benefits and also medical care. Although the same rights that are denied to gay couple, heterosexual couple that are in domestic partnership have the same rights of a married couple.

He also points out that gay marriages have always been around and by legalizing gay marriages, it would not only bring back the idea of family but also strengthen it by showing that gay couples are committed to each other for the long term. He also states that there is no proof that a child brought up by gay parents will have a negative impact on the child (pg 120).

Sullivan also believes that not legalizing gay marriages that it is a form of discrimination. By not allowing a large portion of our society to marry who want to you are taking away their basic human rights. They don't tell "normal" men and women they can't marry someone that they love.

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