Overall, the locus of this argument comes to a major point -- would Jesus discriminate? (Would Jesus Discriminate, 2010; Religious opposition to same-sex marriage claim that the purpose of marriage is only valid for a man and a woman. Roman Catholic dogma, for instance, says that same-sex relationships cannot be considered marriage because by definition, the term revolves around the spiritual and physical uniting of members of the opposite sex. Others view same-gender sexuality activity as being immoral, contrary to God's will, and subverting God's creative intent for procreation of the species. These views also hold that same-sex marriage would legitimize and normalize homosexuality instead of encouraging heterosexuality as the only viable sexual union appropriate in the sight of God (a Biblical Perspective, 2008).

Some of the opposition to same-sex marriage comes from an interpretation of scripture, for instance:

Genesis 19:4-11 -- "They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we may know them." Lot went inside and shut the door behind him and said, 'I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly."

Leviticus 18:22 -- "Though shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination."

1 Corinthians 6:9 -- "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves…. Shall inherit the Kingdom of God."

Other conservative views go beyond simply the religious view and hold that marriage is ordained by God between a man and a woman in order for children to be raised by a mother and a father in complete fidelity. It is not only a contract between individuals to ratify affection (love) and mutual obligation, but the key to the rearing of children and passing on the basics of religious teachings to the next generation (the Divine Institution, 2008).

The issue of same sex marriage and the controversy it implies also affects the view of freedom of religion. Many...

Some same-sex couples challenge the religious right to exclude them from access to facilities like schools, health care, social agencies, shelters, nursing homes, and learning or athletic programs. Opponents of same-sex marriage believe that legislation may limit their religious freedom to decide about their own doctrines. Civil union advocates and Separation of Church and State believe that the state infringes upon the constitutional right to freedom of religion by defining marriage as only an opposite sex institution (Glassman, 2005). In any case, the issue continues to be polarized, and the recent 2012 election results do nothing but increase that divide. The combination of the overall cultural issues focusing on the state of marriage in the United States, the divorce rate, demographic issues that cause couples to marry later, not at all, or to opt to have no children focus not just on society, but also on the idea of how religion plays into the development of culture, dogma, and legitimacy for institutions that are social as well as moral.
REFERENCES

A Biblical Perspective on Same-Sex "Marriage" and Civil Unions. (January 2008). The Association of Politically Active Christians. Retrieved from: http://www.apacny.net/the%20Christian%20Case%20Against%20Same-Sex%20Marriage.pdf

The Divine Institution of Marriage. (August 2008). The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Retrieved from: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/ldsnewsroom / eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage

Would Jesus Discriminate? (2010). Metropolitan Community Church. Retrieved from: http://www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.com/

Glassman, a. (July 15, 2005). Pro-Gay Marriage Amendment Focuses on Religious Freedom. GayPeopleChronicle.com. Retrieved from: http://www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/stories05/July/0715052.htm

Popenoe, D., Whitehead, B. (2010). The State of Our Unions. In Behrens, L. And Rosen, L. Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. New York: Longman.