Same Sex Marriagr Essay, Research Paper

Same-Sex Marriage

Same-Sex Marriage

Each individual s journey through life is unique. Some will make this journey

alone, others in loving relationships- maybe in marriage or other forms of commitment.

We need to ponder our own choices and try to understand the choices of others. Love has

many shapes and colors and is not finite. It can not be measured or defined in terms of

sexual orientation. (From the Statement of Affirmation and Reconciliation by the

Quaker Meeting in Aotearoa, New Zealand.) Even though is it thought by many that

marriage is mainly a religious agreement, it also creates a legal relationship between the

couple and the state.

Currently there is much debate on homosexual couples right to legally

marry. In a speech read to the United States House of Representatives on February 20,

1996, Iowa Representative Ed Fallon discussed why he is in support of the legalization of

same sex marriage. He began his speech, by stating this debate and how they vote

would affect the public s point of view. He felt that by creating gay and lesbian

unions, instead of legalizing gay marriage, would only reinforce homophobia and gay

bashing. He stressed the idea that heterosexuals need only to accept homosexuals. In

order to do this, Representative Fallon, stated that we need to put an end to fear and

stereotypes, and start seeing each other as fellow human beings. He strongly believes

that this is a civil rights issue, and it poses no threat to the society. He mentions a lesbian

couple that has children the same age as his son. Their child is being raised no differently than how he is raising his child. His major point is that if same sex marriage continues to be band, here will be a message sent to the public, which condones homophobia, and does not give the equal rights to everyone. (Fallon, Ed. Iowa Representative Ed Fallon on 2/20/96. [email protected]. 2/20/96)

Another argument in favor of legalizing same sex marriage was written by the

co-director of the Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples. He believes, like

Representative Fallon, that marriage is not only a religious agreement, but also has civil

and legal status. According to his article, Legal marriage triggers 150-250 laws in every

U.S. state, as well as more than 1,040 Federal laws. (Demian. Legal Marriage Primer.

Demian @buddybuddy.com. 1999) He points out that when a heterosexual couple

gets married, clergy are not required for a license to be completed, nor does the couple

need to belong to a church or temple. The only thing required for a marriage license is

being a legal adult and part of an opposite-sex couple. There are many laws that require

this piece of paper in order to receive the benefits. A few of these are: Wrongful death

benefits, child custody, joint adoption, joint insurance, hospital visitation, and domestic

violence protection. Currently nowhere in the world can homosexual couples receive

these benefits. He also discusses the difference between marriage and domestic

partnership. The problem here is that domestic partnership only covers insurance, or time

off to care of their partner. Also, the employee must an affidavit, stating that the

relationship has existed for at least one year, that couple lives together, and are both

responsible for each other s economic welfare. None of these are required of legally

married couples. (Demian. Legal Marriage Primer. Demian @buddybuddy.com. 1999)

The major theme through out the article is that gay couples simply want the same rights

as everyone else, nothing more and nothing less.