Debate 2 - Should Same-Sex Marriages Be Permitted

Essay by GPHUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, February 2005

download word file, 4 pages 0.0

Another paper written for my "Marriage & Intimacy" class this one deals with the subject of same-sex marriages and the varying impacts that could occur in today's "classic" family structure if they were permitted. The assingment was to read both sides of this argument out of our text and then summarize each, make a case for each, and lastly present our view and support why this is what we believe.

Should Same-Sex Marriages Be Permitted

Same-sex marriages are probably one of the most controversial issues of the times and will most likely remain this way for some time to come. However as with any controversies there are strong proponents to each side of the issue and in this particular case I am referring to Andrew Sullivan and James Q. Wilson. Andrew Sullivan is for same-sex marriages and supports his ideals through the belief that the legalization of same sex marriages will overall improve the lives of homosexuals and even how they are viewed by society.

On the other hand James Q. Wilson is clearly opposed to the idea of legalizing same-sex marriages supporting his claims through ideals of religious and natural laws, and the negative implications that legalization "could" have on society.

Andrew Sullivan believes that there is really no just reason why same-sex marriages should not be legalized. He proposes that this legalization would "basically" remedy the overall negative view that the general population has toward homosexuals. In fact he seems to believe that legalization would be such a remedy for society that he even stresses how both liberal and conservative parties should be in favor of the idea. His theory on liberals is that simply because marriage is a public institution and that since the focus of this institution is an emotional, financial, and psychological bond between...