The legalization of same-sex marriages

The past years have observed a significant increase in debates surrounding the legalization of same-sex marriages. In the modern-day America, opinion polls indicate that the majority of the American populace upholds the notion that same-sex marriages should be made legal (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). About 35 states have passed legislation and judicial actions that have inspired the recognition of same-sex marriages as lawful. However, states like Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan have instituted policies that may be deemed to be against same-sex marriages (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). In these states, the Sixth Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of constitutional amendments that define marriages as a union that may only be conceived by a man and a woman. The following discussion reveals why same-sex marriages should be made legal and how the various state agencies oppress these types of unions.

Same-sex marriages should be legalized since many states have adopted the trend after Massachusetts legalized such unions. Massachusetts was the first country in the U.S. to sanction gay marriages (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). However, in the modern-day, about 35 states have proceeded to institute judicial and legislative action that has made same-sex unions legal. Accordingly, the federal government and public opinion polls reveal that the majority of Americans advocate for same-sex marriages, but some groups of people believe that such unions should be discouraged. States like Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, and Kentucky have put in place measures that prevent these types of marriages from being legalized (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). These types of actions oppress the rights of the LGBT groups to associate and receive the benefits that are entitled to the individuals that are married.

Nonetheless, the individuals that are against gay marriages contend that these types of unions are likely to result in the legalization of a host of rights that violate the moral standing of society. Anti-gay marriage protagonists assert that recognizing gay marriages is highly likely to result in the legalization of polygamy (Volokh 1156). These individuals affirm that even though legalizing homosexual unions may not be entirely evil, recognizing such unions will (most likely) heighten the likelihood of a legal action that is a lot worse (polygamy). In the same vein, acknowledging same-sex unions will most likely result in the passing of other “gay rights” (Volokh 1156). Such laws may overburden the religious objectors and other institutions that believe that upholding anti-gay value systems is morally upright. In the end, different employers, roommates, private landlords, and groups like Boy Scouts will be forced to accommodate homosexuals.

Various scholars argue against the above presumption by contending that liberal individualists only need permission, not praise. These theorists affirm that a community that allows “grudging tolerance” may be associated with one whose values promote self-respect, although in a manner that is not akin to a right of equal respect (Gill 150). In this regard, same-sex unions should not be restrained by instituting anti-gay laws; state agencies should seek ways of ensuring that homosexual expressions are only permitted when practiced in closeted areas. The individuals that practice homosexuality should be accorded the rights that they need to uphold their ways of life but consider keeping their expressions away from the public eye (Gill 150). In this respect, citizens will be requested to accept ways of life that differ from the lifestyles that they dislike. In other words, the state should not be asked to consider all people as equal but that the citizens that serve in public institutions should be served equally.

In spite of the above arguments, the anti-gay unions’ activists affirm that such marriages will hurt the different institutions that are interested in upholding the traditions anti-gay beliefs. These individuals use the arguments that the slippery path arguments propose (Volokh 1156). For instance, if a law regarding same-sex unions is instituted, the advocates of gay unions will push for their right to be included in all groups and institutions in society. Accordingly, employers will be forced to hire homosexuals, private landlords will be forced to rent out to same-sex couples, and roommates will be prevented from advertising their desire for a straight roommate (Volokh 1156). These developments are highly likely to infringe on the rights of people since individuals will not be living in an environment where they feel comfortable. In the end, educators and employers will be forced to suppress anti-gay views to avert the rise of an unfriendly work environment.

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Nevertheless, the pro-gay unions’ activists affirm that fields like medicine should accept all individuals as they are, despite the prejudice that society may cast against them. A fundamental principle of any healthcare profession is accepting patients as they are, with respect, and without prejudice (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). In the U.S., a long history of mistreating homosexuals has been thriving. Gay activists contend that this opinion is wrong since the gays are ordinary human beings who have an unconventional was expressing their sexuality. Medical professionals have contended that society’s prejudice has led to the development of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicide (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). Accordingly, instituting measures that prompt the members of the community to respect the rights of gays is highly likely to reduce these types of developments.

The anti-gay activists contend that although the above premises may be true, the children that grow up in gay homes are likely to bear the most significant burden. Studies recognize the fact that the children that are raised in heterosexual families are highly prone to perform optimally in school and adopt socially acceptable behaviors (Bos and Sandfort 115). Conversely, the infants that grow up in different household arrangements like lesbian or gay homes are likely to perform poorly in school or adopt socially deviant behaviors like drug addiction. Moreover, the absence of a father figure in gay unions is expected to result in financial problems and expose the child to homosexual tendencies (Bos and Sandfort 115). In this regard, the growing children may be negatively affected by their environment, which may expose them to become homosexuals. These events may make these children vulnerable to issues such as bullying and discrimination at school.

Although different studies theorize that homosexuality is a social evil, the members of the community must accept the fact that the world is changing. The past years indicate that homosexuality is slowly but gradually being allowed in society (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). The most notable case is the decision by the governor of Indiana to sign legislation that allowed discrimination against homosexuals if religious beliefs support such practices. This decision was met by public outrage, which persuaded the legislature and the governor to backpedal their resolution because it was a misunderstanding (Campion, Morrissey and Drazen 1852). Accordingly, the state officials in Indiana have amended the law to ensure that explicit protection is provided for sexual orientation. These events indicate that gay marriages should be recognized since society is slowly graduating to a point where homosexuality will be considered to be morally acceptable.

In a recap of the above discussion, same-sex unions should be deemed to be legal since the different state agencies oppress the individuals that practice homosexuality. A remarkable increase in debates surrounding the legalization of same-sex marriages has been developing over the past years. On the one hand, opinion polls point to the fact that the bulk of the American public upholds the idea that same-sex marriages should be made official. However, states like Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan have put in place policies that are against same-sex marriages. This development is unorthodox since about 35 states have passed legislation and judicial actions that have inspired the recognition of same-sex marriages as lawful. Such a trend is an indication that society is accepting gay unions, and, therefore, state agencies should legalize same-sex marriages, as discusses above.