Free Essays on Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage By Serena Irani 16/01/05 The issue of same-sex marriage has been debated in the world for many years now. This topic concerns especially the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. What is their personal opinion on this subject? Who is with and who is against? All religions view human sexuality as a potential source of sin. Non consensual sex, unsafe sex, manipulative sex are generally regarded as sinful. Many regard recreational sex as immoral, and teach that sex must be restricted to loving, monogamous committed couples. Some insist that it is only moral within a marriage. But faith groups differ in their beliefs about homosexuality. Some teach that these same rules apply to homosexuals and bisexuals as well as heterosexuals that sexual activity is not sinful if it is consensual, safe, non-manipulative, and within a committed relationship. Others teach that homosexuality is an intrinsically disordered, abnormal, chosen, and unnatural behavior, which is always sinful, regardless of t he nature of the relationship between the participants. For Jewish communities, there are two primary questions. First, should they legalize same-sex marriage, offering homosexual couples the same legal benefits that married heterosexual couples have? Secondly, should rabbis perform same-sex Jewish weddings, and if so, can these ceremonies be considered kiddushin (the Hebrew term for holy unions)? This would give them the same status as heterosexual marriages. The four primary liberal Jewish denominations- Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox- have been fighting with these questions for over a decade. The Reconstructionist movement expressed its support for the full inclusion of gay men and lesbians in all aspects of Jewish life in its 1992 Report of the Reconstructionist Commission on Homosexuality. The report affirmed the holiness of homosexual relationships and the need to affirm the... Free Essays on Same-Sex Marriage Free Essays on Same-Sex Marriage Marriage is the basis for procreation and child rearing, which in turn is the foundation of family and social life. There are indications that allowing polygamous or closely related couples into our marriage system would be dysfunctional in our society. This also applies to same-sex marriages. The social unacceptability of same-sex marriage, the danger of contracting AIDS, and the bad influence on children indicate that same-sex marriage should not be legalized. Homosexual activists, approximately three percent of our population, argue that those who do not agree with them are â€Å"homophobic.† However, that argument is merely prejudiced against society. Society is entitled to have its own opinion. The rights of homosexuals are undoubtedly restricted. Congress’s litigation now describes laws that prevent homosexuals from marrying or adopting. Marriage and adoption are considered a privilege. Those who marry or adopt must obey the laws. No examples in past history occur in which homosexual unions were given the equal rights and legal recognition as heterosexual unions. In a poll taken, American adults were asked if homosexual marriage should be legal; sixty-four percent stated no, while only twenty-nine percent said yes. The same group of adults was also asked about homosexual adoption. Fifty-seven percent said no, while thirty-five percent agreed. By broadening our systematic form of marriage, we weaken the institution as a w hole. Allowing a socially unacceptable union only weakens the bonds of society. The state’s main interest in marriage is to provide financial and emotional security, as well as role models for children. In the current marriage system of homosexual unity, the protection of procreation is properly emphasized. The symbolism of homosexual marriage affects all parties involved. For example, a lesbian or gay wedding has a heavy symbolic message on all guests that attend, including children, cooks, and waiters. Ge... Free Essays on Same-sex Marriage Same Sex Marriage†¦ Agree or disagree? The controversial subject of legalizing same sex marriage in each of the states is getting more and more attention in the legislature. While each state has it’s own determination on whether or not same sex marriages should be recognized, many states do not view a same sex marriage as a legal union. The unanswered question is weather same sex marriage should or should not be legalized. Jonathan Rauch, journalist for The Atlantic, believes that banning same-sex marriage is discriminatory. Marriage is a basic human right and should not be denied to any individual. At various times in U.S. history, other minorities have been prevented from marrying African-Americans for example. Interracial marriage was also legally prohibited in various states until the Supreme Court ruled such bans unconstitutional in 1967. (U.S News) Jonathan’s farther examination of marriage discrimination concluded that banning gay marriage cut same-sex couples off from a host of tangible advantages such as; health and retirement benefits, life insurance, income tax, estate tax, wrongful-death benefits, and spousal, dependent support. On the other hand, marriage benefits cost money. If same-sex marriage were legal gay couples would become eligible for federal benefits and tax breaks. Placing an additional burden on an already strained federal treasury. Taxpayers would end up subsidizing a lifestyle of which many disapprove. To address that issue, the bill introduced on Capitol Hill by Representative Bob Barr, a Georgia Republican, would allow states to ban gay marriage and make it clear that for federal purposes marriage means married heterosexual union. But supporters say that taxpayers benefit from same sex marriages. It puts legal force behind the promise to care for a loved one â€Å"in sickness and in health.† Homosexual partners bound by law to care for one another are less likely to ask for government assistance when... Free Essays on Same-sex Marriage Same-sex marriage By Serena Irani 16/01/05 The issue of same-sex marriage has been debated in the world for many years now. This topic concerns especially the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. What is their personal opinion on this subject? Who is with and who is against? All religions view human sexuality as a potential source of sin. Non consensual sex, unsafe sex, manipulative sex are generally regarded as sinful. Many regard recreational sex as immoral, and teach that sex must be restricted to loving, monogamous committed couples. Some insist that it is only moral within a marriage. But faith groups differ in their beliefs about homosexuality. Some teach that these same rules apply to homosexuals and bisexuals as well as heterosexuals that sexual activity is not sinful if it is consensual, safe, non-manipulative, and within a committed relationship. Others teach that homosexuality is an intrinsically disordered, abnormal, chosen, and unnatural behavior, which is always sinful, regardless of t he nature of the relationship between the participants. For Jewish communities, there are two primary questions. First, should they legalize same-sex marriage, offering homosexual couples the same legal benefits that married heterosexual couples have? Secondly, should rabbis perform same-sex Jewish weddings, and if so, can these ceremonies be considered kiddushin (the Hebrew term for holy unions)? This would give them the same status as heterosexual marriages. The four primary liberal Jewish denominations- Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox- have been fighting with these questions for over a decade. The Reconstructionist movement expressed its support for the full inclusion of gay men and lesbians in all aspects of Jewish life in its 1992 Report of the Reconstructionist Commission on Homosexuality. The report affirmed the holiness of homosexual relationships and the need to affirm the...