Legalization Gay Marriage

Legalization of Gay Marriage

What is the definition of marriage? The dictionary states it as being the legal union between a man and a woman as husband and wife. However, times are changing as the gay life style becomes more accepted by society it is time to allow all couples regardless of sex to enjoy equal protections, rights and benefits under the law. Perhaps, it makes the most sense to consider arguments against same sex marriage to realize why it should be legalized; these arguments touch upon a broad array of issues including: parenting, religion and morality, procreation, rights and benefits, and values and institute of marriage.

Parenting

Many people believe that same sex marriages are not the ideal environments for parenting and will likely result in adverse effects on the children. One study that discounts this notion was conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health in 2002. The study concluded that no significant differences existed between children raised by gay parents and those raised by heterosexual parents. (Sears & Hirsch, 2004) In addition, the study even found that there are more similarities then disparities and the methods and attitudes of gay and straight fathers regarding parenting. The research also debunks the popular myth that children raised in a gay household are often confused about their own gender identities and sexual orientation; the children are no more confused then those raised in heterosexual households. The research goes on to state that there are no apparent discrepancies in self-esteem, behavioral difficulties, scholastic achievements, and family and peer relationships when comparing children from both types of households. (Sears & Hirsch) Many psychologists agree that the love and commitment of the parents is paramount in the successful up bringing of children (not the gender of the parents).

Religion and Morality

Opponents of gay marriage base many of their arguments on the premise that homosexuals are sinners and are not worthy of marriage as a result. The ridiculous nature of this premise if obvious when considering the people that have the constitutional right to marriage - convicted felons, child molesters, murderers, rapists and other criminals (even if they are in prison). I find it hard to believe that these kinds of people always create the optimum environment to raise children. In addition, marriage is granted by the state and is a secular activity; creating laws against gay marriage based on the fact that most religions consider homosexuality to be immoral undoubtedly is a violation of separation of church and state laws. However, many religions and religious sects (i.e. Buddhist sects) around the world celebrate gay marriage and even offer ceremonial blessings to gay couples. (Bidstrup, 2004) These religions understand that spiritual and social support is crucial for healthy marriages involving all couples.

Procreation

Perhaps the most commonly used argument opposing same sex marriage involves the idea of procreation and ensuring the continuance of the human race. Many people tend to falsely conclude that allowing homosexuals to legally marry will somehow threaten the future of human existence: they contend that marriage is for the sole purpose of producing offspring. Could the same people, using this logic, justify denying marriage to infertile couples or take away the marriage rights of older couples who can no longer biologically reproduce? Gay men and women, though not with each other, can still bare children with the use of a surrogate. They can also adopt children, thus helping to alleviate the need to find homes for foster children. Many people also believe that legalizing same sex marriages will lead to a huge portion of the population to suddenly declare themselves as homosexuals: I find this scenario to be very unlikely.

Equal Rights, Benefits, and Financial Implications

Although they currently are not the reality is that marriage benefits should be accessible to all couples. Gay couples are unfairly denied the countless benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples that are able to marry. For instance,