Same Sex Marriage
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Same-Sex Marriage
Kenneth Mullet
PHI 103
Instructor: Sauer
August 1, 2011
Same-Sex Marriages
Same-sex marriages and unions are forbidden in most countries. However, many homosexual couples establish long-term relationships that are similar to marriage (Brown, 2011). Same-sex marriage is becoming more common. In the early 2000’s, the movement for gay marriage intensified in the United States and other countries (Hader-Markel, 2011). In 2004, same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. A federal judge in California overturned the state’s ban of same-sex marriage on August 4, 2010, ruling it unconstitutional. Several other states have also legalized same sex-marriage in 2009 and 2010. Most recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in that state (Hader-Markel, 2011). However, should homosexuals be allowed to marry? There are several views and opinions on the subject. Many people and organizations support gay marriage, and many groups and religions oppose the act.
The movement for gay rights began a campaign for the legislation of marriage between homosexuals and lesbians. They claim, “civil marriage brings with it financial and social advantages which ought to be available to all, regardless of their sexual orientation” (Gay Marriage, 2007). Same-sex marriage, or civil unions, has recently gained support from some conservatives and Republicans. Libertarian conservatives such as Andrew Sullivan agree that same-sex marriage would promote a stable family environment for gays and lesbians and discourage promiscuity (Rasmussen, 2010).
In 2004, a court ruling of the Ontario and Quebec Supreme Courts in Canada required that the federal government grant full marriage rights to same-sex couples within two years (Gay Rights and Movements, 2005). Canada now recognizes common-law marriages between same-sex couples. Marriage in Canada is defined as the “lawful union of two persons” (Gay Rights and Movements,...
Kenneth Mullet
PHI 103
Instructor: Sauer
August 1, 2011
Same-Sex Marriages
Same-sex marriages and unions are forbidden in most countries. However, many homosexual couples establish long-term relationships that are similar to marriage (Brown, 2011). Same-sex marriage is becoming more common. In the early 2000’s, the movement for gay marriage intensified in the United States and other countries (Hader-Markel, 2011). In 2004, same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. A federal judge in California overturned the state’s ban of same-sex marriage on August 4, 2010, ruling it unconstitutional. Several other states have also legalized same sex-marriage in 2009 and 2010. Most recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in that state (Hader-Markel, 2011). However, should homosexuals be allowed to marry? There are several views and opinions on the subject. Many people and organizations support gay marriage, and many groups and religions oppose the act.
The movement for gay rights began a campaign for the legislation of marriage between homosexuals and lesbians. They claim, “civil marriage brings with it financial and social advantages which ought to be available to all, regardless of their sexual orientation” (Gay Marriage, 2007). Same-sex marriage, or civil unions, has recently gained support from some conservatives and Republicans. Libertarian conservatives such as Andrew Sullivan agree that same-sex marriage would promote a stable family environment for gays and lesbians and discourage promiscuity (Rasmussen, 2010).
In 2004, a court ruling of the Ontario and Quebec Supreme Courts in Canada required that the federal government grant full marriage rights to same-sex couples within two years (Gay Rights and Movements, 2005). Canada now recognizes common-law marriages between same-sex couples. Marriage in Canada is defined as the “lawful union of two persons” (Gay Rights and Movements,...