Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 31st Dec 2014
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Gay Marriage Publications
Summary: The movement towards issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples who desire to get married has raised some different objections on the parts of those who perceive same-sex marriage as being wrong.
Legal battles are being waged in courtrooms in different states in America over this issue. The question that crosses my mind is, "Where does love fit into all of this?" It seems people are getting upset over the love two people have for each other and it is amazing to see.
What are some of the arguments being made by those who oppose same-sex marriage? Some have to do with traditional views of marriage, others have to do with procreation, while still other arguments have to do with religious beliefs. The arguments made by those who oppose same-sex marriage basically go against Jesus in that we are to love one another.
"The institution of marriage has traditionally been defined as being between a man and a woman."
The argument that marriage has traditionally been between a man and a woman is one that stuns me. Do people with this particular argument understand that same-sex couples have been living as married couples, licensed by the state or not, for an exceptionally long period of time? If traditional perspectives are truly what those who make this argument want, they need to pursue the traditional lifestyle of their own choosing and understand that not everyone thinks or feels the same way.
Traditionally, in a male/female relationship, women have often times been abused and treated badly. Does this mean the traditional viewpoint is one of abuse? Of course not; many people in opposite-sex marriages are very happy together because they truly do love each other. People have a human right to love the person they do. What else does the traditional perspective say about same-sex marriage?
"Marriage is for procreation and should not be extended to same-sex couples because they cannot produce children together."
Am I to understand that people who uphold, 'traditional,' values are against same-sex marriage because they LGBT members of society do not have children biologically? If this is the case, please bear in mind the vast numbers of children who live in utter poverty, right here in America. Remember that an adopted child is just as much in need of love as the biological children of traditionalists.
If the traditional beliefs of some are so strong that they oppose same-sex marriage, why are children in need of good homes going unadopted by these same traditional values minded people? Why does the same government that fights over same-sex marriage licenses neglect large numbers of children in need of good homes? Perhaps the, 'traditional,' viewpoint is rather lacking in its own traditions.
"Children need both a mother and a father."
What children need is a good home environment with a parent who is able to provide for them. When I was a child I grew up with a friend who had two mothers. My friend did understand the nature of her mothers' relationship; she also understood that she had two exceptional parents who would always be there for her. Personally, I would choose my friend over many of the childhood friends I had who came from traditional marriages - she understood reality much more clearly and many of the children from traditional marriages ended up on the losing end of life; jail, alcoholism, drug addiction and so forth.
It is not whether a child has a mother and a father, it is the fact that children need stable homes and love that crosses my mind whenever I hear this argument. Traditional marriage, as an institution, has failed endless numbers of children. One can only wonder why people with traditional marriage views have not effectively ended poverty and homelessness among children. Instead, many traditionalists cannot seem to find the missing ingredient - love, and put their traditional values to the test.
"Homosexuality is immoral and unnatural."
The actions taken by G.W. Bush, Cheney, as well as members of the CIA was immoral and unnatural; so are nuclear weapons, but the same traditionalists who are against same-sex marriage certainly holler and shout in support of these war crimes. Love between two people, same-sex or not, is just that...love. If the traditional lifestyle involves hate and violence, why should people pursue it?
So much energy and effort has been put into fighting the legal recognition of the love two people have for each other that I wish it had been aimed towards loving children, ending wars, or feeding hungry people. Groups like the Westboro Baptist Church have certainly made their viewpoints regarding, 'traditional,' marriage known. Yet the actions of this group also speak of hate, something children certainly do not need more of, as well as the antisocial nature of those who follow this, 'church.'
Morality is defined by the person. Those who view homosexuality as being immoral are often times the same people who have no issue whatsoever with killing civilians in other nations, or shunning others simply based upon their love relationship. As for homosexuality being, 'unnatural,' let me suggest things that really are unnatural:
The list could drag on and on. Traditional values are not followed by many Americans, there is no logical or realistic reason to view two human beings who have sex with each other as being somehow, 'unnatural.' In fact - it is quite natural. You don't see traditional values being aimed at the list above.
"Allowing gay couples to wed could further weaken the institution of marriage."
The key words above are, 'further weaken.' Marriage between opposite-sex couples has certainly demonstrated that there are marriages lasting lengthy periods of time, as well as the fact that many of these marriages simply do not work or end up being abusive in some way. Opposite-sex marriages have shown that people in American today tend to get married and divorced instead of being traditional in that these marriages should have lasted a lifetime.
Will same-sex marriages end up with similar statistics? Who can say; what is known is that two people who love each other should not be placed in another caste or something. Those who profess traditional values often tend to ignore the world around them, relying upon mass-media or their church for information. The institution of marriage is one that has already failed in many respects. Isn't it time for the population of those with traditional views to understand that love knows no bounds?
"Gay marriage is contrary to the word of God and is incompatible with the beliefs, sacred texts, and traditions of many religious groups."
Biblical scholars from around the world all seem to come up with an interpretation of the Bible that fits their own perspectives. Using the Bible as a text from which to design your own lifestyle can only raise the level of conflict. If those who say same-sex marriage is contrary to the word of God would actually practice what they preach, there would be no war, poverty, or discrimination against others.
People can and will think what they do, even if it does not fit the thoughts others have. In a nation that is supposedly built on freedom, I find the arguments against same-sex marriage to be ridiculous. The only thing that is more ridiculous is the perspective that a person's traditional, anti-same-sex marriage beliefs are shared by everyone, even God. Would God support wars against other nations and people? Many of those who support efforts against marriage rights would not even pause when faced with such a question and tell you that killing people in other nations is national defense and of course God would want America to be defended at all costs.
"People should not have their tax dollars used to support something they believe is wrong."
If this is the predominant belief in America, I do not want tax dollars going to the NSA, TSA, CIA, and many other government departments. I believe the NSA, TSA and CIA are unworthy of tax dollars. I think using tax dollars to support these departments to be wrong.
It is my opinion that the members of Congress and the Senate, as well as the President, shouldn't receive more than $50,000 a year as pay - it is wrong for elected officials to make as much as they do. Yet we do not see the professed traditional values of placing some people above others as being wrong. Class warfare is wrong, not the love two people have for each other and their desire for social recognition.
The perspective that tax dollars should not be used in order to benefit society through the one thing; love, that is most needed in America is inane. Instead, the government uses tax dollars by the billions to fight wars, one of which was a lie in the first place. Many people with traditional marriage views absolutely support war spending, killing of civilians in other nations and worse. Personally, I would rather see tax dollars going to good same-sex marriages than killing.
Freedom to Marry
https://secure.freedomtomarry.org/pages/splash-2014
Human Rights Campaign - Marriage Center
http://www.hrc.org/campaigns/marriage-center
All about same-sex marriages (SSM), civil unions & domestic partnerships
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marr.htm
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• (APA): Thomas C. Weiss. (2014, December 31). Thoughts Concerning Opponents of Same-Sex Marriage. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved October 13, 2024 from www.sexualdiversity.org/news/same/marriage/283.php
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