Essay on Gay Marriages

Ask just about anyone they'll tell you that they're in favor of equal rights for homosexuals. We all agree that they should have the same rights in jobs and public accommodations. Then you get to gay marriages and that's when all this talk of equality stops. First, let's discuss what gay relationships are really all about. The stereotypes have it that gays are promiscuous, unable to form lasting relationships, and the relationships that do form are shallow and uncommitted. We base these opinions solely on the fact that their orientation is vastly more different than our own. Why judge someone you cannot change?

Society most often defines marriage as a union between two people in which there is love, fidelity, trust, and honor present. Therefore gay marriages are by society's definition, a "real" marriage. So, why is it such a controversial topic to discuss? There are many reasons why the gay community has not been recognized as a normal part of society. Most of them are surrounded by religious controversy.

The American Heritage Dictionary definition of marriage is, "to join as husband and wife; to give or take in marriage." This definition is the most basic, and vague definition of marriage there is. Marriage requires much more work, and if two people are willing to make that commitment, the government should recognize them as married, no matter what the gender is. What do we even consider real marriage? Real marriage is seen as the union of two people in the eyes of the state. It is a partnership in which two people share their lives together, and live their lives quietly. Should gender really be an issue?

"On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-gender marriage. From California to Missouri, nearly all states now face legislative challenges to the once firmly entrenched notion that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman (Avery, 2007)." Equal rights for lesbians and gay men may be the greatest civil rights battle of the 21st century. Recent activism and initiatives to solemnize same-sex marriages or legalize civil unions have brought unprecedented public attention to the concerns of gay men and lesbians. Although many states and couples have begun legal battles that may last for many years, the legal rights of same-gender couples and their families remain uncertain. In the court of public opinion, however, Americans' attitudes toward homosexuality, civil unions, and same-gender marriages are slowly crystallizing. As with race relations and women's rights, over the past 25 years Americans' stance toward gay men and lesbians has become more positive, while at the same time many continue to oppose targeted policy and specific rights for this group.

Now, let's talk about homosexuals and the way their jobs affect their lives. As same-gender couples work toward legal recognition of their relationships, they also desire greater rights and benefits for their partners and their families.