Gay Marriage Rights (Persuasive Essay)

Aymee

Mrs. Miller

2nd Block

2.Oct.2008

Fellow students:

There are many arguments against same-sex marriage. “We have to protect traditional marriage.” “It is unnatural.” “What about the effects on the children they raise?” These arguments are not very strong. There is nothing wrong with same-sex marriage, and it is not a threat to society.

People who are against same-sex marriage argue that it should not be legalized so as “to protect traditional marriage and the traditional family”. Protect it from what? What is so dangerous about same sex marriage that we have to protect “normal” marriage? This isn’t a war. Same sex marriage can’t harm families. Marriage isn’t exactly the same as it used to be, either. Interracial marriage used to be illegal. Wives used to be their husbands’ property.

Another argument is that homosexuality is unnatural. It is found outside humanity. Penguins and dolphins, for example, show homosexuality and bisexuality in the wild as well as when captive. Being gay is like being “left-handed sexually”: part of the natural spectrum. The American Psychological Association supports homosexuality and same sex marriage. Their reasons? It is perfectly natural. Also, it is important for mental health that same sex couples be given the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as heterosexual couples. Another important argument is the effects on children.

A topic of much debate is the effects on children that are raised by same sex couples. Marriage protects children and gives them certain benefits. Denying those couples marriage sometimes denies their children the medical and insurance benefits given to children of standard couples. Studies show that children raised by same sex couples are well adjusted and happy. Kids need good role models and loving parents. Gender is a factor in neither of those needs.

Same sex marriages are neither wrong, nor threats to society. There is no threat from which we need to protect traditional marriage, because it has changed in the past. Homosexuality is a completely natural phenomenon. Children are not affected negatively due to being raised by two parents of the same gender. Think about the constitution: it says that ALL people are created equal, no matter what race, gender, or age. Why should sexual orientation be any different? People are still people, no matter their sexual orientation, and should be entitled to the same rights as everyone else, no matter what.