Same-Sex Marriage

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the proponents of same-sex marriage believe that gays and lesbians are being systematically denied their civil rights; but, on the other hand, opponents of same-sex marriage see gay and lesbian unions as a threat to the idea of "traditional" marriage: Both sides argue that the government has a duty to protect and enforce marriage laws. The author supports same-sex marriage by citing the Bill of Rights, which guarantees the freedom of association and the right to privacy. The paper refutes arguments many opponents of gay marriage use as a means of challenging the idea of same-sex marriage: (1) Religion, (2) homosexuality is unnatural, (3) defies the historical definition of marriage and (4) harmful to children.

From the Paper:

"Many opponents of gay marriage use religion as a means of challenging the idea of same-sex marriage. This paper will not spend much time addressing the religious issues surrounding the idea of same-sex marriage. The United States Constitution guarantees religious freedom and separation of church and state. Therefore, whether one personally agrees or disagrees with a religion that condemns homosexuality, members of that religion are free to practice their beliefs. However, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment makes it abundantly clear that religious groups are constitutionally prohibited from legislating based on religion. The religious argument may be the most vehemently argued one, but it is the most easily dismissed because of the guarantees of the United States Constitution."

More papers on Same-Sex Marriage:

• Argumentative Essay # 144227 : "Same Sex Marriage"
• Argumentative Essay # 74323 : "The Place of Same-Sex Marriage"
• Term Paper # 131410 : "Same-Sex Marriage in Canada"
• Persuasive Essay # 74212 : "Opposing Same-Sex Marriage"

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