Homosexual Marriages and Civil Unions.
In the United States, marriage is currently defined as matrimonial union between one man and one woman. Civil unions have a similar definition, although a civil union is not a religious ceremony. With the exception of the state of Massachusetts, same-sex marriages and civil unions are banned. Five states (Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Mexico, and New York) have no specific laws concerning gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender marriages. A few states allow civil unions between homosexual couples. Currently a homosexual person can not inherit his late partner's life insurance, possessions, or be considered "immediate family" in health-related emergencies in many states. Eight states allow adoption by homosexual couples, fifteen states allow it in some jurisdictions, four states oppose same-sex parenting, and twenty-three states are currently undecided.
About half of the nation's population is currently in favor of either same-sex marriage or civil union. The argument for this position is based primarily on the Constitution's declaration of equal rights for all citizens. If heterosexual couples are legally allowed to marry and share possessions, homosexual individuals should be given the same rights and benefits. Supporters of same-sex unions argue that necessary benefits are received when two people marry or participate in a civil union. They claim that discrimination against homosexuals is the same as the persecution that was practiced years ago against women, and the racism that was common following the Civil War.
Those who oppose homosexual unions base their arguments mainly on religious morals. Their religion, whether it is Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or another, teaches against homosexuality. The argument in opposition to same-sex marriages is focused around the dictionary definition of marriage---a union between a man and a woman. They claim that the sanctity of marriage will be undermined and made insignificant. They debate that, as two members of...
More Homosexuality
essays:
"I Do" or "Please Don't". Same-sex marriage debate.
... against same-sex marriage (according to national polls run by Newsweek and CNN). On top of that, along with marriage goes the assumption of sexual activity. The sexual activity of one homosexual with another (sodomy) is illegal in many states and ...
Gay Mariage: Should It be Denied
... say same-sex marriage alters nature. More importantly, they believe it is bad for children who will be raised by homosexuals if same-sex couples are allowed to marry and adopt children. A child growing up with a gay man ...
Same-sex marriages: Viewpoints and Theories
... of any rights as long as they are a good person. Many might believe that same-sex marriage is morally wrong, however if moral rules don't matter in this belief system, then there would be no problem with two homosexuals ...
Gay and Lesbian Marriages in the United States
... the civil union of gay and lesbians. Also, I do not think that if we allow gay and lesbians to marry that the traditional family is going to fall apart. There are many marriages that ... institution of marriage at the beginning of time. These same people believe that homosexuals are ...
About Gay Marriages.
... that homosexuality is less of a political issue than a moral one and it's more philosophical than legal. Of all 50 states screaming freedom and democracy only two have made same sex marriages legal ...
Gay Marriage
... openly gay U.S. congressman from the state said the amendment couldn\'t come before the voters before 2006, and by that time same-sex marriages will ...
GAY MARRIAGE
... openly gay U.S. congressman from the state said the amendment couldn't come before the voters before 2006, and by that time same-sex marriages will ...
Homosexuality
... Should gay marriages be allowed? To date there are only two states that allow homosexuals to marry and they are the state of California and the state of Massachusetts. In 2004 Massachusetts became the first state to allow same sex couples ...