Legalizing Gay Marriages Essay, Research Paper

?Would legalization of gay marriage be good for the gay community?? Sam Isaacson wrote an article analyzing the opinion of the gay community on legalizing same sex marriages. It is somewhat of a controversial issue with the gay community whether or not marriage is a good thing. He divides the community into two groups: integrationists and liberationists. The controversy is caused because of these two different philosophical views. The integrationists want to be as normal as can be. They want to ?integrate? themselves into society. On the other hand, the liberationists cherish their gay culture with their own customs and values. The integrationists want gay marriage and the liberationists object to same sex marriage. Isaacson?s belief is to consider the objections of the liberationists. However, he believes that legalization of marriage would benefit gays and society.

The liberationists do not care for being part of the ?normal? society. They believe marriage would take away from their way of living and would show that marriage is the right way to live. Isaacson states, ?We not only abandon the sexual minorities of our community, we strengthen society?s narrow notion of what is ?normal? and thereby further confine both straights and gays.? Liberationists do not want to lose the unique characteristics of gay culture. Some gay writers have said, ?Gays have been forced to create different forms of relationships that often allow for a greater and often more fulfilling range of life experiences.? Gays are more likely to stay friends with their ex-girlfriends/boyfriends and they form very close relationships without becoming romantically involved. The communication in their relationships is better than most straight couples. The liberationists think that marriage ?limits and normalizes personal freedom. They do not want to be faced with the social pressures of marriage and their culture is forgotten.

Isaacson agrees with the liberationists but many benefits would come about from the legalization of gay marriage. Marriage is stability that is good for a society. Children need a stable environment so that they are well adjusted. Couples tend to be happy in long-term relationships. Isaacson adds that when a person gets old, ill, or depressed it is nice to have someone who will take care of them so they are not alone.

Furthermore, Isaacson does not want to forget the real benefits that come with marriage.

For example, legal rights, tax benefits, insurance benefits, inheritance, and voice in medical treatment or funeral arrangements. He feels that gay love is not respected. Society does not care whether gays have relationships or families. Isaacson wants to send a message to the world that ?gay love is just as meaningful as straight love.?

I believe that same sex marriages should be legalized. The gay community has every right to marry and be part of the society. I can understand why the liberationists think that marriage will take a piece of their individuality away. However, marriage is a very bold statement especially between two women or two men. The conservatives should not marry just to be part of the society. They should marry because they love their partner enough to spend the rest of their lives together. The gay community will always have their own culture and they need not worry about it disappearing. I agree with Isaacson that same sex marriage will benefit the gay community and society. They should be proud and have the rest of society see how different and important they are.

Isaacson,Sam. ?Would Legalization of Gay Marriage Be Good for the Gay Community??

Writing Arguments. Ed. John Bean and John Ramage. Viacom Co.: Needham

Heights MA, 1998. 300-302