Same Sex Marriage

Same-Sex Marriage in Today’s Society

Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. History and Background
III. Religion
i. Religious Views ii. Biblical Proof
IV. Society and Media
V. Conclusion
i. Personal Opinions and Views Same-Sex Marriage in Today’s Society Same-sex marriage, the marriage or union between two people of the same gender. The legalization of same-sex marriages is popular topic in todays society. Marriage has been defined as a religious and legal commitment between a man and woman over the course of time. In the past decade same-sex marriage has slowly become a prominent issue in the court system. The question lies should homosexual couples have the same right as heterosexual couples to unite their relationship by marriage? The history of same-sex marriage in the United States began in the 1970’s with the Baker v. Nelson case. Jack Baker and James McConnell tried to file for a marriage license and were denied, as a result they filed a law suit to the state and it ended up in the Supreme Courts hands. Through the years many states have banned same-sex marriage and other states have recognized same-sex couples as domestic partnership. In 1996 President Bill Clinton, signed the Defense of Marriage Act. This act defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman for the federal government. Same-sex marriage has become a very prominent topic in our society over the past decade. Massachusetts was the first state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage. In 2004 Goodridge v. Department of Public Health declared it unconstitutional for only opposite-sex couples to marry one another. This was the sixth place in the world to legalize same-sex marriage (Gay, 2010). On May 15, 2008 California ruled “same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry” and by November 3 over 18,000 homosexual couples were married. The following day, November 4th California recognized Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage (Gay, 2010). Connecticut legalized same-sex marriage in 2008. In 2009 Iowa and Vermont, 2010 New Hampshire and Washington DC, 2011 New York, and in 2012 Maine and Washington passed bills to allow same-sex marriage. During this past year, 2013, more states have legalized same-sex marriage. The states include: California, New Jersey, Delaware, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Maryland (Gay, 2010). As of today it is legal for same-sex couples to marry one another in 15 states as well as the District of Columbia. The number was just increased to 15 states as of October 31, 2013 thanks to Hawaii’s State Senate for passing the Gay Marriage Bill (Hawaii, 2013). The Bible is constantly used as a source to prove homosexuality is a sin. Bible verses are the first thing Christians site when faced with a discussion of same-sex marriage. “Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female, it is an abomination. Leviticus 20:13 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; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them (McGinniss, 2010, p 138-139).” These are just two of the scriptures found in the Bible that speak of homosexuality being a sin. “Interpretations of relevant biblical statements are used by conservatives and liberals to condemn or justify same-sex relationships. (Wernik, 2005, p. 47)” There are six individuals in the Bible that some claim as homosexuals; David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi and Daniel and Ashpenaz (Wernik, 2005). It is hard to justify these ‘couples’ due to the many translations and interpretations of the Bible. It is argued that the church is “too judgmental in regards to homosexual. A recent Barana poll report the following: Today, the most common perception is that present-day Christianity is ‘anti-homosexual.’ Overall 91% of young non-Christians and 80% of young churchgoers say this phrase describes Christianity. As the research probed this perception non-Christians and Christians explained that beyond their recognition that Christians explained that beyond their recognition that Christians oppose homosexuality, they believe that Christians show excessive contempt and unloving attitudes towards gays and lesbians (McGinniss, 2010, p. 136).” It seems the younger generation of Christians are not as judgmental towards homosexuals as older generations are. This maybe due to the fact that homosexuals and same-sex marriage is more of an open topic in todays society versus fifty plus years ago. Simon Brown (2013, p. 9) stated: “we will not stand by while the destruction of the institution of marriage unfolds in this nation we love. The Sacred Scriptures and unbroken teaching of the Church confirm that marriage is between one man and one woman. We stand together in solidarity to defend marriage and the family and society founded upon them. The effort to redefine marriage threatens the proper mediating role of the Church in society.” Society is trying to change the definition of marriage and taking it away from being a sacred religious ceremony and relationship. From celebrities to the big screen homosexuality has taken over the media as well. There are several celebrities that have spoken out on their homosexuality and are not stepping back. Ellen DeGenerous, a stand up comedian and talk show host, came out as a lesbian to the world in 1997. She has been the prominent icon for homosexuals in society today. Her career has exploded since she has spoken out about her sexual preference. Not only are celebrities exposing their selves, but Hollywood has put homosexuals on the big screen. In 2004 Brokeback Mountain was released. This movie about two cowboys and their love for another sparked a lot of controversy. In 1994 Ikea, a furniture company, created the first television ad featuring a gay couple. Homosexuals and same-sex marriage are not only taking over the Supreme Court and Voters Ballots but they are also taking over the media. From celebrities real life relationships to television shows, commercials and movies homosexuals are slowly becoming a permanent fixture in todays society. Non-homosexual celebrities are also baking and supporting homosexuality left and right. Along with our current president Barack Obama. He is the first President to openly support gay marriage. (Ford, 2013) Homosexuality is a choice in my opinion. I believe that we are partially born the way we are, but I also feel that society and nurture help to determine who and what we grow up to be whether it be for the better or for the worse. A child raised by an alcoholic parent is likely to either grow up and be an alcoholic their selves or they are never going to take a sip of alcohol. A person can be raised by two heterosexual parents who fight constantly, this may persuade their child they do not want to be in a heterosexual relationship. There are several factors that help to determine whether or not someone is homosexual or not. I find it ironic that some Christians are the first to judge and discriminate against another human being by their sexual preference. From my upbringing and Christian back ground we are not taught to judge another human being. God did not put us on this earth to judge, judgement will take place on judgement day until then we should treat everybody the way we would want to be treated. The sexual preference of a person should not determine the way they are treated. I myself do not support same-sex marriage. I believe marriage is the union on a man and a woman only. But I am also not here to condemn others on their sexual preference and the way they choose to live their lives. I choose to look at people for who they are not who they choose to have a relationship with.
References
Brown, Simon. "As Support For Same-Sex Marriage Crows, Religious Right Croups Vow To Push Back." Church & State 66.8 (2013): 9-12. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Sept. 2013. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.
Ford, A. (2013). A 40-Year Courtship. Time, 181(13), 20. Web. 19 Oct. 2013.
Gay Rights Timeline. (2010). Congressional Digest, 89(4), 101-102. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
"Hawaii: Gay Marriage Bill Is Approved In the Senate." New York Times 31 Oct. 2013: A14(L). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
McGinniss, M. (2010). The Church 's Response to the Homosexual. Journal Of Ministry & Theology, 14(2), 129-163. Web. 19 Oct. 2013.
Wernik, U. (2005). Will the Real Homosexual in the Bible Please Stand Up?. Theology & Sexuality: The Journal Of The Institute For The Study Of Christianity & Sexuality, 11(3), 47-64. Web 19 Oct. 2013.

References: Brown, Simon. "As Support For Same-Sex Marriage Crows, Religious Right Croups Vow To Push Back." Church & State 66.8 (2013): 9-12. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Sept. 2013. Web. 15 Sept. 2013. Ford, A. (2013). A 40-Year Courtship. Time, 181(13), 20. Web. 19 Oct. 2013. Gay Rights Timeline. (2010). Congressional Digest, 89(4), 101-102. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. "Hawaii: Gay Marriage Bill Is Approved In the Senate." New York Times 31 Oct. 2013: A14(L). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. McGinniss, M. (2010). The Church 's Response to the Homosexual. Journal Of Ministry & Theology, 14(2), 129-163. Web. 19 Oct. 2013. Wernik, U. (2005). Will the Real Homosexual in the Bible Please Stand Up?. Theology & Sexuality: The Journal Of The Institute For The Study Of Christianity & Sexuality, 11(3), 47-64. Web 19 Oct. 2013.