I Now Pronounce You Married - Lgbt Essay

I Now Pronounce You Married

In a world so full of hatred and war, should we not rejoice whenever two people find love, regardless of their sexual orientation? Recently New York State became the sixth state in America to legalize gay marriages, that is, the marriage between two people of the same gender. This was a huge step forward in the LBGT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered) community's fight for equality. Legalizing gay marriage is not about sex. It is about affording gay couples the right to be legally allowed to make decisions on behalf of their life-partner in times of distress, injury or fatality, just as any husband or wife would do in the same situation. I have been happily married for ten years. I feel so very fortunate to be married to my best friend; and I feel very strongly that everyone should be allowed this happiness. Unfortunately, there are those that do not feel the way that I do. Who are we (the heterosexuals) to judge who should, or should not, be allowed to marry? Why should the LGBT community be excluded from this rite of passage?

Throughout history the meaning and understanding of the word marriage has changed with the times. In ancient Israel, a woman was regarded as a man's property and could do nothing without the consent of her father or husband. A woman was given away in marriage by her father, who had picked the groom with little or no regards to his daughter's feelings in the matter. A woman's sole role in a marriage was to produce offspring and maintain the home in her husband's absence. In the middle ages marriages are still arranged, however, due to the ever expanding amount of travel brides may have to travel to distant lands, leaving her family and friends as well as her customs behind; to be married to a man that she has not met, who was usually decades older than herself, and of whom she may not even like let alone love. Whether the bride or groom liked each other was of no consequence. These marriage arrangements were solely based on political or monetary gains, the groom's father being the deal maker. It wasn't until the 17th century that religion became a part of the marriage ceremony. Marriages were still arranged, but now the woman had to conform to her husband's religious beliefs if they differed from her own. In the 18th century marriage finally found room for love. Marriage is no longer a strategic transaction, but a commitment of fellowship between husband and wife. The words love, honor and obey appear in marriage ceremonies and couples are at least fond of each other, if not in fact in love. In the 19th century marriage undergoes an enormous transformation. Dating begins, couples marry each other not as a means to an end, but because they love each other and want to grow old together. Of course having children is factored into this equation, but it is no longer the sole purpose of the wife. Her role has changed to that of helpmate, friend, lover, and confidante. In the 20th century marriage is the ultimate expression of love. Marriages are no longer prearranged; they are no longer political or monetary transactions to better one's family. They are quite simply an expression and declaration of profound love. So once again we must look at the word marriage and try to decipher what it means. Is marriage defined solely as a legal contract