In Favor of Gay Marriage
Margaret Wright - September 8, 2003

I was told that most of mainstream America opposes same-sex marriage. I don’t know for sure if this is true or not, but I do know that it shouldn’t be. Recently President George W. Bush declared that marriage is between a man and woman, and he has been looking into ways to make his opinion law. It’s already illegal to marry someone of the same sex in most states. No state legally recognizes gay marriage except Vermont, although such unions become invalid outside of the state. Nevertheless, George W. Bush is trying to ban same-sex marriages completely and permanently. This may take shape as new federal legislation or even a constitutional amendment.

Obviously Bush’s statement has ignited a great debate. My first thought was, why in the world are we worrying about same-sex marriage while we are still in the middle of a war? Bringing our troops back from Iraq ought to be our first priority. Perhaps this is Bush’s way of trying to distract the public from the unpopular war, as well as trying to gain back support and esteem. Bush’s comments coincide with the Vatican’s vow to begin a global campaign against gay marriage, calling it "gravely immoral." If Bush wants to save face, surely does the Vatican, as the Catholic Church has been plagued with child sex abuse scandals over recent years. If anything is gravely immoral, the molestation and sodomy of children certainly fits the bill. It is not far-fetched to suspect that the Vatican is using this issue in order to win back respect for the Catholic Church.

These two important figures, the U.S. President and the Pope, fail to realize that in their attempt to improve their image they are seriously harming and alienating a large group of people. When it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage, the only thing that needs to be said is that everyone has the right to fall in love with whomever they choose. It is no one else’s business. Although some may disapprove, these same-sex couples are not harming anyone. I hear, "If they’re so in love what does it matter if they get married?" Sure, marriage is merely a certificate, but then how come heterosexual couples feel the need to have one? These same-sex unions deserve the same respect as any other. What applies to one should apply to all; heterosexual or homosexual.

While same-sex marriage is the issue currently under debate, it may have further repercussions concerning gay rights. If same-sex unions are condemned even further, what’s next? The Vatican has also spoken out against gay adoptions, and this could be the government’s next step as well. If marriage should be reserved for a man and a woman, then children could possibly fall into that category. These laws will only serve to make life harder for gays, and make it easier to ignore their human rights.

One of the strongest arguments I’ve heard in favor of gay marriage is that by taking away a person’s right to get married, you are interfering with their pursuit of happiness. Isn’t that one of the promises our nation was founded on? The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution guarantee all citizens the right to the pursuit of happiness, equality, tolerance, and the separation of Church and state. Therefore, whatever the Vatican’s stance on this issue, it has no place in law-making. The idea that homosexuality is immoral, if rooted in religion, cannot be used as an argument brought before the government.

Above all else, it is inappropriate for the government to meddle into our personal lives so greatly. Certain aspects of our lives should not be controlled, and this includes who we choose to fall in love with and marry. It is the government’s job to provide us with security and protection, but not to mediate our relationships. Whatever the case may be, America should be concentrating on the countless other problems that exist: unemployment, homelessness, hunger, crime. I don’t see how our nation expects to prevent hate crimes when it is teaching its people to hate homosexuality. Legislation opposing same-sex marriages would further alienate and persecute homosexuals, as well as create deeper rifts and differences within this country.

Though America has made lofty promises of equality and open-mindedness, it is other countries like Canada that have taken steps to legalize same-sex marriages. Gay marriages are already legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Sweden, and Denmark. Individual states within our nation have also shown opposition to Bush’s position. New Jersey and Massachusetts are seeking to legalize same-sex marriages in their states. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas sodomy law, saying both gays and non-gays have the right to privacy. Our lawmakers should promote tolerance and acceptance. If we stop pointing fingers and allow people to be happy in their love, we would be taking a step toward creating a better and certainly more peaceful environment to live in.

The issue of same-sex marriage is divisive. It threatens to split the church, as well as the public. In these cases, it is best to allow freedom to some then to take it away for all. We are able to choose what lifestyle we want to lead. We are able to choose who we want to marry. If you are religious, you may live your life according to your beliefs and remain moral. But, we must accept that not everyone shares these values. You may not be gay, but it’s not fair to prevent other people from carrying out their own choices.