United States of America and its social perspectives are constantly changing. However, some issues still exist that people are refusing to budge on because of views that prevent them from acknowledging a growing population of society. One of those things that should be on the path of change is gay marriage.
The subject of gay marriage sparks conversation in many Americans. Some people support gay marriage and feel that since homosexuals are humans, they should have the same rights as others. On the other hand, opposition feels that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.
Marriage changes along with society. While interracial marriage seems to be a norm now, it was not until a 1967 Supreme Court ruling that finally allowed interracial couples to marry. With a Gallup poll showing 53 percent of Americans supporting gay marriage, it’s time for another change. Our nation should no longer be a place for bias.
Denying same-sex marriage sends the message that they are inferior and it is acceptable to discriminate against them. Massachusetts Supreme Court wrote an opinion to the state Senate on Feb. 3, 2004 that suggested that it was not fair. The letter said that offering civil unions was not an acceptable alternative to gay marriage because “… it is considered choice of language that reflects a demonstrable assigning of same-sex, largely homosexual, couples to second-class status.”
Same-sex couples should have the same benefits enjoyed by hetrosexual married couples. In America all men are created equal, so why would Americans go against our own word.
Our economy in America is struggling. Gay marriages can bring financial gain to state and local governments. The Comptroller for New York City found that legalizing gay marriage would bring $142 million to the city’s economy and $184 million to the state’s economy over three years. This type of profit on a national scale could boost our country’s economy.
Some people believe that having a same-sex couple raise a child could be detrimental to the child and their future. This belief is absolutely outrageous. Gay parents are as good as straight ones. Gay marriage would make it easier for same-sex couples to adopt and provide stable homes for children who would otherwise be in foster care. A child’s well-being is more affected by their relationship with their parents rather than their parents sexual orientation.
At the end of the day, all Americans deserve the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If being married to someone who is the same-sex as you makes you happy, who are we to stand in the way of that?
As of Nov.13, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill that legalize same-sex marriage. Hawaii is the 16th state to legalize same-sex marriage.