Gay Marriage Rights

In the United States today, the people are strongly divided on the hotbed issue of same sex marriage, and the definition of marriage itself. Much of the problem arises from what stance one chooses to define marriage. Individuals opposed to gay marriage stand by the Bible's definition of marriage: "Marriage is the union of a man and a woman, creating a new entity...a new 'whole.' This union is brought about by a mutual commitment before God." In contrast, people who support gay marriages tend to view the institution of marriage with a less religious lens; rather more of a Civil Marriage: "marriage solemnized as a civil contract." While both sides have valid arguments, like past instances of inequality, gay rights are the logical next step to creating a truly equal society. The solution to the problem is not only to allow same-sex marriages to take place, but to allow all the benefits heterosexual couples receive as well. Simple as the solution sounds, many powerful, politically connected, and extremely well funded groups defiantly stand in the way. The 700 Club, Focus on the Family, Concerned Women for America, Christian Coalition, and the Republican Party, feel that by allowing same-sex marriages to take place, it would be detrimental to religious and traditional family values. Major groups in favor of gay marriage include Human Rights Campaign, Gay Liberation Front, and Marriage Equality USA, all of which argue that denying marriage to same-sex couples is a direct violation of the Equal Protection Clause. Congress should not adopt a Constitutional Amendment banning same sex marriage on the grounds that it would be unconstitutional, and contrary to our country's founding principles.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was drafted, becoming what many consider to be a preceding document of the later formed United States of America. Though it has no legal weight, its words have been the battle cry for many oppressed or 'unequal' groups throughout our history. The exact meaning of, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal," has been debated from its inception. Whether it be abolishing slavery or giving all citizens(not just men) rights regardless of race or sex has taken time. As we as a nation have changed and matured, our interpretation of the word men now means more people, rather than rich white men. If the institution of marriage is truly a privilege, requiring a license from the