¶ … components of this subject-matter remained persistent in my head: being 'gay' and 'marriage'. Being gay, or homosexual in the more formal sense, is known to us as a sexual orientation, that which is directed to a person belonging to the same sex. But how do we see homosexuality today? Somehow, it is liberating to see that America has become more open and accepting on this issue. However, we can never discount the fact that discrimination, to a certain level, remains persistent today: discrimination experienced in schools and workplace to name a few.
Marriage on the other hand, as I would understand it, is an institution which is of legal and religious nature. Through marriage, a couple is able to publicly and legally declare their union. Also through marriage, the couple is protected by the laws of the land and ensured that particular rights and privileges can be enjoyed.
The debates on whether to support gay marriage or not is not something new anymore. Gay rights movements have been instituted with the goal of legalizing gay marriage while religious fundamentalists maintained their opposing stance.
I am in favor of supporting gay marriage for two basic reasons. First, homosexuals, as a gender, have experienced the most discrimination of any gender class. This poses problems in their overall well-being. No person should experience such kind of disadvantaged position simply because of societal stigma. And through opposing gay marriage, we as a society, further intensifies the discrimination being experienced by the gay community. Secondly, I believe that our laws should be able to protect the people regardless of their gender. If marriage guarantees rights, privileges, and protection of these by our laws, what right do we have to limit marriage to particular gender classes? What right do we have to exempt certain people to these rights, privileges, and responsibilities?
