The Right of Citizens Against Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation - Essay Example

In Support of Gay Marriage Introduction Defining the term marriage would normally arise during debates on same-sex marriages. Though the term would have different meanings across different cultures, it could be universally defined as a relationship between human beings, one with another or various others, recognized by law. Modern definitions in many cultures have incorporated the aspect of likelihood of same sex marriage, referred to as gay marriage. Halkitis (1627) defines gay marriage as a union involving two people of the same biological sex or gender. From the varied definitions of the term marriage, there arises a major controversy on the legality and ethicality of gay marriage. As such, whereas countries such as the Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Argentina, Sweden and South Africa among others have legally recognized gay marriage, countries such as the US still do not recognize such marriages (Baunach 348). The conflict involved traverses legislative, religious, cultural and family factors, making it a complex debate. Nonetheless, evaluating secondary materials retrieved from the database of the online library of the Central Texas College, this paper seeks to support gay marriage. Arguments against Gay Marriage The opponents of gay marriage cite various religious teachings that consider the act as immoral and against the objective of human sexuality - producing children. Islam prohibits homosexuality which has been supported by the story of Lot which condemns the act. Christianity, supported by various scriptures including Malachi 2:15 (King James Version) believes that God blesses marriage between a man and a woman, making them one in flesh and spirit. Most mainstream religions have indeed prohibited gay marriages, a position that has seen most of these unions being solemnized outside places of worship as opposed to heterosexual marriages (Avery et al. 74). Another major issue raised against gay marriage has been the negative impact it would have on children. It has been noted that children raised up in homosexual marriages indulge in drug abuse, social crimes and even drop out of school. Gay marriages propagate promiscuity, incest and other morally unacceptable sexual behaviors. Homosexuality has been widely associated with short period relationships. It is said that lesbians would be more promiscuous than their counterparts in heterosexual marriages, not only with women but also with men. Similarly, gays exhibit promiscuity with Baunach (348) indicating that such behaviors expose gay marriages to greater risk of contracting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Gay marriages also increase the risk of pedophilia. Whereas homosexuality would not by itself increase pedophilia, there has been a great concern that majority of pedophilic cases involve homosexuals. Counter Arguments Nonetheless, there has been an increase in support for gay marriage in the recent years. There has been support from various religious, political, racial and gender groups across the world for the legalization of gay marriage. Among the great world leaders, US President Obama, short of endorsing gay marriage, has been noted to consider requesting the Supreme Court to take measures that would reverse the ban on gay marriage in California in an effort towards “marriage equality” in the US and to “advance civil rights of gay men” so as to boost public health (Halkitis 1628). The rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples as prepared in 1997 by the Federal Government’s General Accounting Office locks out partners in gay marriages from retirement spousal benefits, medical insurance and workers’ compensation survivor benefits among others despite the law standing in the way of such couples legalizing their marriage. Such discrimination against people in gay marriages in favor of legally married couples results in negative consequences among the affected persons (Baunach 358). Countering the religious opponents of gay marriage, it has been argued that just as God created the heterosexuals, homosexuals were also created by God and given their sexual orientation in the same manner the heterosexuals were given. Getting children for gays and lesbians has been made possible through sperm banks and adoption. In fact, adoption gives gay marriage the positive outlook of helping the needy which most of these religions teach. It should also be noted that heterosexual marriage does not necessarily lead to procreation due to many factors. Among them could be the use of contraceptives, attainment of menopause or infertility in the partners. Another school of thought supporting gay marriages observes that heterosexual partners engage in casual relationships that need marriage for stability (Avery et al. 75). Cases have arisen many a times of such persons accidentally conceiving children hence their unpreparedness to parent. On the other hand, gay partners would develop truthful relationships and do not really need a civilizing institution. To them, having children through insemination or adoption comes as a well planned idea hence their readiness to parent. On parenting, research shows that just as heterosexual parents have the capacity to provide effective parenting to their children, so would gay marriage partners. In fact, children raised in gay marriages grow up to have same parenting capabilities as their counterparts raised up in the opposite setting of marriage as observed by the Child Welfare League of America. Halkitis (1630) argues out that marriage was not meant for procreation but for nurturing children resulting from man-woman union. With gay marriages also offering the opportunity to bring up children in the required manner, it would also be deemed to observe the objectives of marriage. The argument on gay marriage propagating unacceptable sexual behaviors does not pass logic. The reason for promiscuity would be lack of satisfaction in some way, whether physical or emotional. With gay marriage receiving much criticism, one would only be involved out of own volition and with surety of satisfaction. Just as heterosexual partners draw satisfaction from their marriages, so would gay partners do so from their marriage. As such, promiscuity would only be with those who do not really mean to enter into gay marriage. Conclusion The definition of marriage and its intended objectives mark the beginning of the debate on gay marriage. Opponents of the union have raised various religious, socio-cultural and moral arguments that oppose the union. But from this paper, there exists no logic in these arguments against gay marriage as each of the concerns has been effectively counteracted with valid arguments. Supported by the right of citizens against discrimination based on sexual orientation among others, gay marriages should be acceptable and legalized. Works Cited Avery, Alison et al. “America’s Changing Attitudes toward Homosexuality, Civil Unions, and Same-Gender Marriage: 1977 – 2004.” Social Work 52.1 (2007): 71 – 79. Central Texas College Online Library. Web. 25 February 2013. Baunach, Dawn M. “Decomposing Trends in Gay Marriage Attitudes, 1988 – 2006.” Social Science Quarterly 92.2 (2011): 347 – 363. Central Texas College Online Library. Web. 25 February 2013. Halkitis, Perry N. “Obama, Marriage Equality and Health of Gay Men.” American Journal of Public Health 102.9 (2012): 1627 – 1629. Central Texas College Online Library. Web. 25 February 2013. Read More