Violation of the Basic Rules of Traditional Marriages - Essay Example

The issues related to same-sex marriage prove that the same is accepted as a deviation in sexual interest and individual difference by liberal thinkers and activists, religious people, and moralists hesitate to accept the same, but impartial evaluation proves that individuals must be allowed to take independent decisions on sexual interest and marriage.  

Compare and contrast:

Both same-sex marriage and traditional marriage support the concept of marriage, i.e. the contract between partners. To be specific, same-sex marriages never deny the scope of family in personal life. At the same time, family is the backbone of traditional marriages. One can see that the proponents of same-sex marriage consider that the concept of family can provide legal consent and acceptance in society. David E. Newton states “The question raised by advocates of same-sex marriage is whether a state can constitutionally refuse to issue a marriage license to two individuals of the same sex” (62). Besides, those who accept same-sex marriage claim that all the rights that are enjoyed by the partners within traditional marriages must be allowed to the partners (say, same-sex). One can see that social recognition is important within the context of married life, and those who are in favor of same-sex marriage or traditional marriage are ready to accept the same without any argument. So, the supporters of same-sex marriage and traditional marriage are aware of the importance of family, legal consent, and social acceptance.    

One can see that most of the marriages (say, traditional) are related to religious belief, morality, and legal/ constitutional support.  All the world religions support a traditional form of marriage because the same is a contract based upon belief. Besides, the moral side of traditional marriage is related to certain limitations on individuals. At the same time, traditional marriages help to gain legal/constitutional support in society. On the other side, the proponents of same-sex marriages consider the same as a deviation in sexual interest. They never accept the intrusion of religion into the context of marriage. Instead, they consider that religious belief and marriage are different and individuals must be allowed to lead lives according to their interests. If individuals are interested in same-sex marriages, they must be allowed to do so. Peter Strandby states that “Finally, gay activists’ claims to full citizenship through equal access to marriage, is denied based on a religious set of beliefs, that homosexuality is morally wrong and that same-sex marriage would threaten existing individual liberties such as freedom of religion and expression” (21). Besides, the supporters of same-sex marriages declare that society must show readiness to provide legal sanction to same-sex marriages. So, same-sex marriage is symbolic of a liberal approach toward sexual orientation. 

Evaluation:

From a different angle of view, the modern world needs to accept that individuals are different in interest, taste, and opinion. Within this scenario, one cannot prove that traditional marriages successfully lead the partners towards individual freedom and happiness. If one is interested in same-sex marriage, one must be allowed to make independent decisions related to one’s sexual interest. Evan Gerstmann states “In fact, one of the theories that advocates of same-sex marriage advance most ardently is that the heterosexual marriage monopoly is a form of gender discrimination and, therefore, is subject to intermediate scrutiny” (15). The arguments not in favor of same-sex marriage never prove that same-sex marriage is totally against human morality. Instead, these arguments violate individual rights and decision-making capability related to sexual interest. So, religions need not interfere in the contexts of personal interest and liberty. Besides, same-sex marriage is not against human morality but is related to individual differences and sexual orientation.

In summary, when the mainstream society is ready to accept individual differences and liberty, same-sex marriages will gain acceptance and legal sanction. The reluctance to accept same-sex marriage originates from the influence of religious belief, and misinterpretation of human morality. If one is ready to accept same-sex marriage, one is showing the courage to support individual differences and differences in sexual interest. Still, some world nations are ready to accept same-sex marriages because the same is not against the fundamental principles of social life.