Same-Sex Marriage and Equality

Same-Sex Marriage and Equality

Throughout each generation, different views and beliefs have always a topic of debate, most recently, the argument about whether same-sex marriage should be legalized and how the acceptance of such laws will influence today's youth and their point-of-views for future generations. In more recent years, those debates include whether raising children in a same-sex household is any different from raising children in a heterosexual home. Examining a few of these arguments with consideration to their counter-arguments can give support to a better understanding of equal rights and a more positive influence on children today.

For a number of people who are against same-sex marriage, a common concern about what their children could be taught in public schools as a result of that legalization is viewed both as immoral and a perversion (http://nosamesexmarriage.com/marriage/nogaymarriage.php). Equally, there are also those who believe that their own way of life should have no bearing on other people's lifestyles and choices. The opinions of those whose views are formed from one type of scripture or point-of-reference are usually just that: one-sided and also without provocation. For a person to say they do not believe in something because a book says its so, is in itself, morally wrong. If a person is raised to believe in one thing their entire lives, opposing another view does not make it wrong, it just makes it different; differences in opinions are what a progressive and successful society. Without development and change we would not be where we are today in, say, technology, education, or medicine. It is expected that change be met with resistance, but without change, a nation cannot be expected to continue to develop in a successful manner.

In many other arguments about equal rights for same-sex marriage, foster-care and adoption laws would be reexamined under those new laws of marriage and consequently: childcare. It is speculated that foster parents would have to undergo certain training courses on sensitivity to "rid [their] bias in favor of traditional marriage" and would be expected to support homosexuality in those children. (www.nosamesexmarriage.com) Would a social worker with any empathy and compassion put a child under the care of such biased adults to begin with and potentially bring danger to that child? Social workers today are already faced with placing children in homes that are a safe environment. Adding the additional precaution of ensuring a homosexual child or teen is placed in a home free from harm because of his or her sexuality should not hinder that child from deserving the same love and positive upbringing as any other child. Much like an adult cannot control his or her sexuality, it is just as impractical (with less cognitive awareness than an adult) to control their