Same Sex Marriage: To Be or Not To Be Draft 1

We live in a country that is based primarily on freedom. We pride ourselves to be a country that practices freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom, freedom, freedom. It seems as if on this topic freedom is not free.

The last couple years the buzz around the country about same sex marriage has been huge; especially the hype around the passing of Proposition 8 in California. The clause would allow the California Constitution to state that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” After the passing of the clause on November 5, 2008 the hype about same sex marriage was intensified. Supporters of the clause argued religion, education, adoption, and tax rights. People against the clause argued equality and unfair treatment, and financial and tax privileges.

First I will talk about the opponent’s arguments. Education. The argument is that if the law proposition 8 is passed that educational institutions will have to teach that same sex marriage is indeed normal and acceptable, and is in every way equal as traditional marriage between a male and female. Adoption. If Proposition 8 is not passed adoption agencies would be forced to serve all same sex couples. Religion. Clergymen and religious people argue from the Bible stating that the foundations of marriage are based solely on a man and a woman. Also, they are worried that religious sects may be accused of hate crimes if they reject or choose to not allow a same sex couple to hold ceremonies in their buildings. Tax Rights: Some religious institutions are worried that they will lose their tax exemption status. Also there are concerns that there will be people that take advantage of the tax benefits that married couples receive.

Here are the weak points in those arguments. Education. In an ever increasing dynamic country, we should educate our children on all things. In order to have well rounded, un-sheltered children that are ready for every issue and topic, we need to teach them, or introduce them to it. I do not believe that it is any schools responsibility or feel its necessary to teach “right” or “wrong” concerning this topic. But, presenting that there are same sex couples and that marriage is a union and partnership formed between two people is just stating and teach a fact, and better preparing children for the world that is around them.

Adoption: Denying a same sex couple the opportunity to raise a child is unfair, and infringes on those couples constitutional rights. There are many same sex couples that are more fortunate than heterosexual couples and can provide a life and environment that would be wonderful for a child. Using this as a reason for why someone should not be allowed to adopt a child is like saying that all single parent children are less likely to succeed. These statistics do not take every couple or situation into account. Same sex couples should be treated equally.

Religion: A very sensitive topic for many people. Stating or basing a decision off of the Bible alone is ludicrous. If we were to live by every law or commandment that was stated in the Bible we would be sacrificing animals and getting executed for almost everything. In DEUTERONOMY 22:13-21 it says: "If it is discovered that a bride is not a virgin, the Bible demands that she be executed by stoning immediately." In LEVITICUS 18:19 "The Bible forbids a married couple from having sexual intercourse during a woman's period. If they disobey, both shall be executed." There are many things that are outdated in the Bible, and no longer apply to times today and to the way that we live our lives. There are so many things that we don't follow suit in the Bible that it is ridiculous to hold on to one passage that says that a marriage should be strictly between a woman and a man and not hold on to hundreds of other passages that require us to do equally ridiculous things. You cannot argue that the book is legitimately true and perfect when you don't follow every aspect.

Works Cited

Rev. Mel White, co-founder of Soulforce. What the Bible Says And Doesn't Say About Homosexuality. Found (Sept 21,2010)
http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian

Same Sex Marriages, Civil Unions, & Domestic Partnerships
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marr.htm