As humanity moves forward, there is a growing awareness and recognition of the rights that everyone—regardless of their gender or sexual orientation—deserves. However, despite this progress, there are still some people who are against gay rights and marriage. This can be seen in the form of discrimination, violence, and even laws prohibiting same-sex marriages in several countries.
Fortunately, we live in a world where more and more individuals have become committed to achieving equality for all people in all aspects of life, including the right to marry. And while some may argue that allowing gays to marry is socially and morally wrong, the truth is that there are many strong reasons that support the freedom of every individual to choose love in their lives.
In this article, we will explore the best arguments for gay rights and marriage, hoping to convince more people to see why every individual deserves to pursue happiness equally.
The Case For Marriage Equality
At its core, marriage is a public declaration of love and commitment shared by two people. Marriage is a legal institution designed to benefit the spouses, and therefore, it is unfair to prohibit same-sex couples from experiencing the legal and social benefits of marriage.
Some people complain that allowing gays to marry is a violation of traditional values, and that same-sex marriage undermines the institution of marriage. However, there is little evidence to support these claims. Instead, there is a growing body of research which shows that same-sex couples make strong, committed and loving partnerships that are no different from those between heterosexual couples.
Moreover, the legalization of gay marriage would not threaten the existing heterosexual marriages. Instead, it strengthens the existing institution by supporting the idea that love and commitment should be encouraged, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.
To better understand the arguments in favour of same-sex marriage, let us take a closer look at some of the underlying issues.
Civil Rights And Equality
Opponents of gay marriage argue that same-sex couples have no right to marry because marriage is a sacred institution reserved for heterosexual couples. This argument, however, ignores the fact that individuals have a right to equality, regardless of their sexual preferences.
Denial of the right to marry on the basis of sexual preference is a discriminatory practice that not only violates the rights of homosexuals but also sets a serious precedent for other types of discrimination. Denying individuals the right to marry based on their sexual orientation is no different from denying the same right to individuals based on their race or religion.
The reality is that individuals deserve equal treatment before the law, including the right to access the same legal institutions as everyone else. And that includes the right to marry the person they love.
Freedom And Liberty
Human beings deserve the right to pursue their own happiness and to live life on their terms. Allowing individuals to marry the person they love represents a fundamental recognition of this right. The point of a free society is to allow individuals to live according to their own desires, so long as they do not harm others in the process.
Some opponents of marriage equality argue that allowing same-sex couples to marry is a violation of religious freedom. But this argument ignores the fact that people with different religious views also deserve the right to pursue happiness on their terms.
When states prohibit gay marriage, it constitutes a form of discrimination that actively limits the freedom of individual choices, which is contrary to fundamental principles of liberal democracy.
Love And Companionship
The institution of marriage is deeply rooted in the human need for love and companionship. People marry for a variety of reasons, but most would agree that a lasting, loving relationship is the cornerstone of a happy and fulfilling life. The right to marry is essential to the well-being of any individual who seeks a long-term committed relationship.
While some argue that gay couples are not capable of forming stable, loving relationships, such arguments are usually based on assumptions that are unfounded. Studies have shown that there is no significant difference between the quality of relationships between same-sex and opposite-sex couples in terms of their levels of commitment, love, and relationship satisfaction.
Furthermore, denying same-sex couples from entering into marriage not only denies them the right to love and companionship but also the legal and practical benefits that come with marriage, such as accessing medical decision making and inheritance rights.
Children And Family
Many opponents of gay marriage argue that children raised in same-sex households will have a negative experience, suffer harm, or ultimately fail to thrive as those raised in opposite-sex homes. This is simply not true. Children of same-sex marriages have been shown to thrive in supportive, stable, and loving homes, and they grow to be just as happy, healthy, and well-adjusted as children raised by heterosexual couples.
Furthermore, prohibition of same-sex marriage can often lead to situations in which children are not able to have two legal parents, hindering their access to critical social programs and making it more difficult for them to enjoy the same protections and rights as other children in the family. Allowing same-sex marriages will eliminate these barriers and ensure that all children have access to the legal protection and emotional support they need to thrive.
Conclusion
Marriage is an institution that has been integral to society for many years. And while there is much debate over the definition of marriage, its fundamental purpose remains the same—to provide individuals with the opportunity to form committed partnerships with the person they love.
Supporters of gay marriage recognize that everyone has the right to love and to enjoy the benefits that come with legal marriage. Gays must have the freedom to form civil unions, have access to the legal benefits of marriage, and secure equal status under the law. Countries that refuse to grant these basic rights are practising discrimination, which is inconsistent with the values of a free society and liberal democracy.
In the end, what matters most is the ability of people to choose whom they love, and to build a happy and fulfilling life with that person. It is time for the societal recognition and respect for same-sex marriage to ensure that every individual, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is free to pursue their own happiness.
The United States Constitution states that all citizens are entitled to enjoy equal rights in this country.
How is it that many legislatures and other legal professionals, forget about gay rights when writing laws and enforcing those that are already on the books?
Many times, judges also fail to think about gay rights when they decide on cases.
Unfortunately, many citizens that enjoy all of the rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution, also forget about gay rights when they try to preserve the “sanctity of marriage” by denying same-sex relationships any recognition at all.
The right to have a relationship legally recognized is one right that is not currently equal for all U.S. citizens in all states.
While some states legally allow for civil union, gay marriage, or domestic partnerships, the rights conferred through the legal recognition of those relationships, vary greatly from state to state.
In fact, couples that receive legal recognition of their relationship in one state, lose that if they move to a state with no legal recognition. In fact, it is not certain states that violate gay marriage rights, but all of them since there is no shared recognition in place.
In order to attain equal rights, same-sex couples must be able to have their relationship legally recognized, no matter where they live in the country. Gay marriage rights should be equal to those attained by opposite-sex couples.
Otherwise, there is no such thing as equal rights. Domestic partnerships, same-sex marriages, and civil unions should all be considered equal to marriage.
There are no fundamental reasons for forbidding gay marriage rights. There are intense debates about gay rights, and many times people forget that all citizens are entitled to equal rights.
In addition to legal recognition, couples must also have access to the rights conferred through marriage.
Equal rights include gay marriage rights through recognition, and also the rights attained through recognition of the relationship. In fact, same-sex couples that are unable to receive legal recognition, have many other rights violated as well.
In the absence of legal recognition, couples cannot be entitled to any of the rights or responsibilities conferred upon a married couple.
Same-sex couples may not be able to own joint property or to open joint bank accounts. In addition, couples may be unable to legally inherit a property in the event of death.
In fact, many surviving partners have been evicted from the property they shared with their partners. In this case, the individual has no legal recourse unless their relationship was legally recognized. Gay marriage rights must be equal to the rights conferred to opposite-sex couples in all ways.
Many lawmakers, citizens, and Judges often forget about gay rights when deciding on legal actions and legal recognition. In fact, many members of the LGBT feel that they are treated with discrimination by the very people that are meant to protect their rights.