The Arguments Against And For Gay Or Same-sex Marriage

What is marriage? This single word can be defined in many different ways, yet the Bible defines marriage as the union between a man and a woman, instituted and ordained by God as the lifelong relationship between one man as husband, and one woman as wife. In today’s world, the foundation of marriage is often altered, resulting in the union of two people with the same sexual desires; ultimately, this is the reason for the rise of the term “gay.”

Gay marriage, on the other hand, is defined as the union of two partners of the same sex, otherwise known as homosexuals. Since ancient times, this act has been frowned upon; however, the views of many individuals today have found acceptance regarding this sinful act. Beginning in 2001--the year the Netherlands legalized gay marriage--this topic remains one of the strongest controversies that dominates the United States. Gay marriage has essentially sparked a war between Christians and Liberals. Both sides argue the legitimization of this issue. As a Christian, gay marriage is a detestable act that defies the nature of mankind due to its unbiblical nature, inability to procreate, and a child’s need for both biological parents; supporters of homosexuality believe marriage to be a natural right and a source of discrimation which results in much controversy.

A California Supreme Court ruling from 1859 stated, 'the first purpose of matrimony, by the laws of nature and society, is procreation.' Gay marriage contradicts this statement, for only a man and a woman, together, are capable of producing a child. Traditionally, when one ponders upon marriage, the destined outcome is the idea of procreation. The primary purpose of marriage--to most individuals--serves as a way of securing a mother and father for each future child born into society. Altering the purpose of marriage allows for the gratification of adults rather than the production of future generations; this will ultimately lead to a major decrease in the population of the world. Ask yourselves, “What if my parents were of the same gender?” Many homosexual individuals tend to avoid this particular question due to the obvious answer. The danger of this mentality growing throughout the nation is the stimulation of an anti-natalist--a philosophical position that assigns a negative value to birth-- mindset which fuels population decline as well as social, political, and economic strains on the larger part of society (Carter).

On the contrary to the connection of marriage and procreation, many individuals argue against this being the only reason for marriage, or infertile humans as well as couples against having children would be prohibited from marrying. Statistics prove--from 1970 until 2012--thirty percent of married couples were without children; this evidence supports those who believe the ability or desire to procreate is not a qualification for marriage. Likewise, a survery from 2010 confirmed both married and unmarried people rated love, commitment, and companionship higher than having children as very important (“The Passions Behind”). Depending on the person, perspectives often differ; however, homosexuality will continue to prevent couples from producing offsprings. So ask yourselves, “Is love worth being childfree--at least biologically?” One’s feelings and desires only have the ability to bring a person so far in this world; however, some poeple may find emotional draw sufficient to their lifestyle.

As a way to override the inability to procreate, supporters will often argue the option of couples to adopt. Although this is available to all individuals due to the need for adoption, it is proven children need both a father and mother. A 2012 study by Mark Regnerus, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, found that children raised by parents who had same-sex relationships suffered more difficulties in life--including sexual abuse and unemployment in later life--than children raised by intact biological families. Both mothers and fathers play an unique role in the lives of each child (“Pro & Con Quotes”). Womanly traits tend to be more distinguished and soothing to the emotions of their children; for example, children long to have their mother in times of fear, hunger, and pain. Maternal care is somewhat necessary in terms of early childhood; those who lack a motherly figure tend to exhibit hostile and emotionless traits because they lack emotional training. On the other hand, children also need a father to learn the feeling of safety as well as maintain their fear. Adolescents deem fathers as an essential role to his or her lives, for they are more capable of providing discipline and a sense of protection (“Should Gay Marriage”). Despite the emotional strain presented by parents of the same sex, this lifestyle also provides a form of confusion in the eyes of young children. For instance, young children are often perturbed by the name of which they should refer to both parents (Family Research Council). Due to both parents being of the same gender, would you call them by the same name or otherwise? Not only does name calling baffle small children, but they also face severe discrimnation at school, sports, etc. because of their parents’ choices. In the eyes of a child, homosexuality causes critical humiliation that could, in turn, bring emotional and physcial distress. More over, both a mother and father are necessary to all homes in terms of a rightful upbringing which is quite opposite to the environment homosexual parents present (Fitzgibbons).

Despite the norms of a standard marriage, homophiles tend to disregard traditions--stating marriage is a worldy right for all citizens. The US Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in the 1974 case Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur that the 'freedom of personal choice in matters of marriage and family life is one of the liberties protected by the Due Process Clause.' The Due Process Clause acts as a safeguard from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property by the government outside the sanction of law (“Pros & Cons”). Although most American citizens disagree with gay marriage, supporters argue this to be a natural right--subject to every citizen throughout the nation. In contrast, people against this untraditional act also point out the United States was founded “under God”--as stated in our Pledge of Allegiance (“Donald Trump”). Leviticus 20:13 says, “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act.” This scripture describes the repulsiveness of expressing homosexuality which counteracts the foundations of America.

Furthermore, gay marriage is an untraditional act that is considered an abomination to Christians as well as many other religions in the United States. It is insufficient in terms of procreation and also creates an amplitude of degradation, disorientation, and distraction in the lives of their adopted children. Many studies have proven the need for both biological parents in order to provide the sufficiency adolescents desire. Upbringings in homes with parents of the same sex places a great deal of emotional and physical strain in their children’s lives which can potentially cause obstacles later in their life. Not only does this act cause confusion in young lives, but its also defies the Word of God. Leviticus 18:22 says, “Men shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” Despite the desire for this form of marriage in today’s society, it often generates more harmful situations than benefits.