Gay Marriage a Discussion About the Relevant

Gay Marriage

A Discussion about the Relevant Factors that Affect Same-Sex Partners in the Modern World

Gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, is one of the most controversial topics in the modern age. It can be a divisive topic because many people feel strongly about the issue from both sides. Many argue that any form of partnership should have equal rights as the traditional marriages do and cite legal arguments and make reference to the constitution. However, more conservative points-of-view believe that marriage should be preserved as it has been for thousands of years, between a man and a woman. These individuals often use religious or other culturally based arguments to justify their position. This paper will view the argument from both sides and provide insights into why this topic has become one of the most polarizing issues in the range of current topics.

The Issue

Before covering any of the specific issues surrounding gay marriage, the term should be defined so that its usage is clear. Gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, has been defined as:

"The practice of marriage between two males or two females. Although the institution of marriage between male and female partners has been regulated through law, religion, and custom in most countries of the world, the legal and social responses to same-sex marriage have ranged from celebration on the one hand to criminalization on the other" (Dictionary)

The definition itself provides insight into the current tensions that surround the debate. Although gay couples have been forming since the beginning of recorded history, it is how they are treated in society that is the primary issue. In some societies, both contemporary as well as historical, the practice has been accepted. However, in other societies, it has been criminally punished; sometimes as severely as by death. Though Western societies, such as the United States, have decriminalized most of the laws that dictate an individual's sexual preferences the struggle for rights presses on.

The current debate hinges on whether gay marriages should have the same rights as traditional marriages. The argument centers are a person's preferences for any sexual relationship that they see fit. Furthermore, if a person has a same-sex preference then having a legal marriage with their partner provides many advantages that they would not have otherwise. Examples of this include certain tax advantages, the ability to adopt children, the ability to share insurance policies as well as to sign any documents or make decisions as a married couple. Moreover it also allows these couples to publically celebrate their relationship just as any other couple.

In recent years, attitudes about the rights of gay couples have shifted significantly in the United States. One study analyzed the public perception over a sixteen year period and found that among White respondents the percentage of people in favor of legalized same-sex marriages jump from twenty seven percent in 1996 to forty three percent in 2012 while in Black respondents the figure rose from twenty six percent to thirty nine percent over the same period (Silver). When the total population is considered, the most recent data indicates that a majority of the population is actually in favor of same-sex marriages (fifty three percent) (Pew Research Center). The public opinion shift in perceptions of the legality of same sex marriages also fosters a wave of additional implications.

One implication is that politicians have become more vocal about their support of same sex marriages. One of the most recent statements of support that has been made in favor of the legality of same sex couples comes from none other than President Barack Obama. Obama gave a personal account of how he "evolved" on the issue over the last few years with influences attributed to his daughters and some gay friends (Walker). Critics of Obama attributed his announcement in support of same-sex marriages; however the polls also show that the economy is generally the number one issue that voters currently recognize as a priority (Hartfield).

Opposition to Same Sex Marriages

A majority of the opposition to same sex marriages is driven by religious preferences as well as the certain various implications of those beliefs. Much of the opposition in the political sphere is headed by the Republican Party which is generally considered more socially conservative. Ironically, there have been some internal debates about how to handle the elected officials who are both gay and Republican members (Shapiro). However, the head of the Republican Party, John Boehner, as well as the leading Presidential Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, both immediately released statements of opposition to the President.