Same Sex Marriages

Same Sex Marriages

Introduction

Marriage is a legal union, where two people decide to live together and spend the rest of their lives under a social contract. It is a domain of love, togetherness and understanding. Same sex marriage pertains to marital union of two people, who belong, to the same gender identity. It is a social contract between two male or two female to live together as spouses, where men are called gays, and females are called lesbians.

Legalization of the same sex marriage is a global issue around the globe. There are hot debates and controversies on both sides, that is, whether to legalize same sex marriage or not. The legalization of such marriages is a political, legal, as well as, religious issue, and there are strong opinions on both sides (Gerstmann, 2008). Currently, it has been legalized in 11 countries across the globe, they are, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa and Sweden. In the United States, it is legalized in six states, whereas, federal law does not recognize it still. The legalization of same sex marriage encompasses of filing of the social contract of marriage, as well as, forming a social and legal union. They should be provided with all the benefits that are entitled to normal marital couples. Same sex marriages are gaining social acceptance, and therefore, they were legalized by the State law of the United States in six states, yet there's a stringent divide between supporters and opponents. The legalization of same sex marriages is gaining more social acceptance in the American society, with strong biological and social causation. It is evident that sooner or later it would gain a globally legalized status (Volokh, 2008).

The paper looks into the current legal status of same sex marriages, as well as, the rationale behind legalization of such marriages. The paper presents arguments in favor of same sex marriages, and criticizes the counter arguments that oppose the case of legalization of same sex marriages. The paper also compares current status of same sex couples with that of normal couples. In the end, it re-affirms thesis pertaining to the legalization of same sex marriages in the United States, as well as, across the globe.

Thesis statement

Same sex marriages are gaining social acceptance and strong supporters that emphasize its legalization in the United States. The constitution should amend in favor of same sex marriages to re-affirm the freedom to marry in the American society.

Discussion

Literature review

Cornivo and Gallagher (2006), in their book “debating same sex marriage” present a detailed debate pertaining to the same sex marriages. The book entails stronger arguments from both sides. The book also comprises of critical reflection on both the arguments. The book affirms that it is a controversial issue in terms of American societal and traditional norms; however, it also shows the facts that support rapidly growing popularity of the marriages that pertain to partners from same gender identity.

Carnot, Carnot, Berrett and Black (2006) ...