Gay Marriage

Gay marriage has been the topic of discussion in recent years. It has been broadcast on news stations and printed in magazines all across America. Each publication has displayed a different point of view. Although marriage is a fundamental right under the constitution, same sex couples don't have the ability to marry. Marriage is a private union not a political subject. In my opinion, any two people who love each other should be able to get married. Conflict theory helps to explain this problem the theory explains the pluralistic nature of society and the differential distribution of power among groups. Some groups use their power to create rules particularly laws to serve and promote their interest. That is what the government has been doing with the issue of gay marriage.

Some homosexual people go out of their way to prove they were born gay. This is primarily because some people think sexuality is a choice. Labeling theory has serious consequences the label homosexual is deviant in our society so people look down on it. It causes people to be mean and harm people as in the case of Matthew Sheppard. In turn gays feel the need to justify their sexuality and they shouldn't have to. The Wesley foundation hosted speakers from a Memphis ex- gay group called Love in Action one attendee wore a slogan printed on his shirt that said "Don't presume that I want to be straight" (Kelly, Chris). Heterosexual people don't have to explain their sexuality they embrace it and when they are in love, they take the next step which is marriage. It is illogical to assume that one chooses to feel attraction towards someone. Gays should have the same right, there is no equality in saying heterosexuals can get married but not homosexuals.

The acceptance of gays has risen they are more widely accepted now more than ever. It is apparent from television sitcoms to corporate anti discrimination policies. "Two powerful societal forces associated with the 1960's - the sexual revolution and the civil rights movement - are credited with a driving change in attitude" (Ricci, James and Patricia, Ward). Many same sex couples are living together. Some states have domestic partnership laws. However same sexed couples don't have parental rights when adopted children are involved and they also are denied federal protections and rights including filing joint tax returns or making decisions on partner's behalf's during medical emergencies these are all benefits of marriage. "Gays who yearned for marriage now smell victory" (Ritter, John). The more this issue moves out into public debate, the stronger the support for the protection of marriage says Tony Perkins president of the Family Research Council. "Events over the past six weeks have shaped an equally defining moment for same sex marriage gay rights advocates say" (Ritter, John). Anything short of marriage reduces gays to second class citizens including civil unions and domestic partnership laws. The denial of same sex marriage is discrimination on the basis of gender. It is a violation of the Due Process Clause of the5th Amendment. There is no constitutional basis for denying gay couples the right to marry, our governments' primary function is to defend the rights of the people, not take away rights. As U.S. citizens we are entitled to the pursuit of liberty and happiness. Same sex couples are not breaking any laws by being in love and they deserve the security of marriage. The government should not prevent homosexuals from pursuing happiness.

President Bush backs a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. He called congress to amend the constitution for the 28th time in 215 years. He claims that it is all about preserving a fundamental institution of civilization. President Bush says marriage is between a man and a woman only. "If we are to prevent the meaning of marriage from being changed forever our nation must enact a constitutional amendment to protect marriage in America" (The Frontrunner).