My view on Same Sex Marriages 

My view on Same Sex Marriages

*** This is a paper I wrote for my English class.

What is marriage? The dictionary defines marriage as the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex, as husband and wife (Gove). But, marriage is also looked upon as a sacred trust between two consenting individuals (www.religious tolerance.org). Since both these statesments are formed from the root of opinion, neither can be proven wrong. But, no matter what the correct definition, should the government, or anyone, have a say in personal affairs such as this?

Marriage is a basic human right and a personal, individual choice (www.religioustolerance.org). Until recently, same sex couples were not allowed to marry anywhere in the world (www.religioustolerance.org). Canada is one of the few places where same sex marriage is legal. Canada now views marriage as a way to publicly recognize a committed relationship between two adults (marriage.about.com). Homosexuals are not the only minority who has faced this problem. It wasn't until after the Civil War that African Americans could marry in all parts of the United States (www.religioustolerance.org). Also, mixed race couples weren't permitted union until 1967 (www.religioustolerance.org). It seems as if the past is repeating itself. Once society is rid of one controversial figure, another is mounted for debate.

So, why has this become such a huge issue? Religion plays a key role. Same sex marriage has become a ripple in the tide pool of religious structure. Those who oppose same sex marriages are trying to preserve what their faith forbids. According to belief under God, marriage is a faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of a man and a woman joined in an intimiate community of life and love (www.usccb.org). They think that by allowing Homosexuals to wed, God's intent for marriage is not being upheld.

Though I fully respect Christain views, I also realize that faith under God is not the only religious creed. Why should all of society follow the path of one belief, when not all trust in God? Same sex couples are denied marrage when, at the same time, we are granted freedom of religion.

Personally, I don't find it fair for the Church to force its views on anyone. Homosexuals don't force their way of life on Heterosexuals, shouldn't they be treated with the same respect?

This shouldn't be looked upon solely as a religion versus same sex marriage ordeal. Asking what is right and what is wrong is too black and white. There will always be two sides of opinion, no matter what arguments are made. One way to solve this issue would be to allow same sex couples marriage under a judge. That way, the Church remains unscathed.

Everyone views marriage under a different light. Basically, it's whatever society decides it is, we need to accept this simple reality: marriage is not a natural law; it's a human institution that's defined by humans and subject to change by humans (www.balloon-juice.com).

I wonder if some who oppose gay marriage are honestly defending their faith, or if they're simply sickened by the thought of a sexuality different from their own. Why should gender be regarded as an issue? What should be important is the love and desire to live together in a committed, lifelong relationship that two people feel (www.religious tolerance.org). It is said that each individual is created differently, isn't it possible that sexuality preference is one of those differences?

Before jumping to fight against gay marriages think on your own, and put yourself in the position of a same sex couple. Don't be against something this important just because everyone else is, or because you live your life in a way different to someone else's. How would you feel if you deeply loved a person, but then you were told that your love was wrong? That it was a sinful mistake. Imagine wanting to marry someone and then having that desire denied because of a factor beyond your control. These are some of the scenarios that same sex couples must put up with. Is it fair to try and tell a person who they can love, and whom they can spend the rest of their life with? No. The emotion of love that an individual feels should not be subject to interrogation. I don't find it fair for homosexuals to have to battle for the right to marry. It seems to me that we, as individuals, should keep our noses where they belong, in our own business.

I believe that the following quote, found at www.religioustolerance.org, makes a very good point: "A loving man and woman in a committed realtionship can marry. Dogs, no matter what their relationship, are not allowed to marry. How should society treat gays and lesbians in a committed relationship? As dogs, or as humans?"

Marriage should be open to anyone, regardless of sexuality, race, religion, or way of life. A person's privacy and lifestyle should be respected at all costs, as long as they are in no way inflicting harm upon themselves, or anyone around them. What will become of this issue? Only time will tell.