Totorus

Photo credit by Fibonacci Blue

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state in America to allow same-sex marriage. Although it was proposed and struck down in a number of other states since then, it is currently only legal in six states: Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa, and Connecticut. Many of the remaining states have put amendments onto their state constitutions to ban same-sex marriage.

While same-sex marriage is definitely one of today's most debated topics, with most people having a strong view on one side or the other, there are three basic angles which form the pros and cons of same-sex marriage: the practical, the personal, and the religious.

Many who opt to take a religious standpoint on the subject state objection to same-sex marriage on the grounds that same-sex unions are forbidden in the Bible. Individuals and religious groups, predominately with a fundamentalist leaning, often quote passages from the Bible to uphold their viewpoint. "God made marriage between Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" is one frequently-heard remark. However, as all people do not share the same religious beliefs, basing the decision about same-sex marriage on the religious angle is unfair.

On the practical side, there are opposing viewpoints. Many believe that the subject of same-sex marriage should be left up to the voters to decide. Others believe that this is giving voters too much power over something in which the government should not interfere.

Looking at the practical aspects of same-sex marriage, there are legal rights, responsibilities, and other obligations. Those who are in favor of same-sex marriage agree that same-sex couples should not be denied what is readily available to people who are in traditional marriages. From survivorship benefits to being allowed access to a person who is seriously ill or dying, same-sex couples can be denied what legally-married couples take for granted.

The personal aspects of same-sex marriage can be even more intense. While those who object to it often make outrageous claims which are untrue, same-sex partnerships are often as solid, healthy, and long-lasting as traditional marriages, if not more so. Many of these unions have lasted for a number of decades, even when they were not validated by law. It is very sad to hear elderly people talk of their partners who passed away after being together throughout their entire adult lives.

Legal recognition in the form of civil unions is not enough, although many states forbid this, also. The general idea is that if two adults wish to have their commitment to each other recognized by law, and also granted a traditional ceremony to do so, it is a decision which should be acknowledged by both the government and by society as a whole.

The cons of same-sex marriage essentially surround people who believe it is wrong. The same could be said of interracial marriage, as many disagree with this, also. The pros of same-sex marriage are not only about the rights and recognition which same-sex couples should have on the same terms as everyone else. They also include the fact that validating legitimate relationships makes for stronger individuals, couples, and families.