Samesex Marriage

Acceptance of Gay Marriage in the Society

Few topics spark as much debate as gay marriage in today's society. The sides have been split into strongly for and strongly against, and then there are those who would rather not get involved. First off, the definition of gay marriage is the legally or socially recognized marriage of two people of the same biological sex. Traditionally, marriage is viewed as the union between a man and a woman. Several countries and states within the United States recognize same sex marriage; others recognize only civil unions which carries fewer rights than a marriage.

Both sides present arguments as to why or why not, yet the issue has no visible resolution in sight. Pro gay marriage activists cite universal human rights, and anti gay marriage supporters cite parenting concerns, tradition and religious beliefs. It ultimately boils down to the people and what they choose. The same sex marriage question will be answered with votes, either for or against gay marriage. Several states have taken initiative to vote on what is defined as a marriage and make it an amendment to the state constitution. Even then, just as with other questions of "morality," gay marriage will still carry controversy simply because it is a matter of opinion or belief that the issue is either right or wrong. The idea is gaining ground, but it may take time or a generation or two to gain majority acceptance within modern society.

Legal Differences of Gay Marriage

We all know what marriage is. Normally if you love someone, you have the right to marry him or her. Marriage is more than this, however. It is a legal status, and marriage gives couples certain rights, privileges and responsibilities. Many people in the gay community have been trying to obtain these rights. Some states have created the legal equivalent to marriage, called a civil union. Although this is kind of like gay marriage, many differences set it apart from a normal heterosexual marriage.

Like a legal marriage, a civil union accepts a couple’s rights and responsibilities under state law. A gay couple has the ability to file joint state tax returns, and a partner has the right to inherit any property from a deceased spouse. Additionally, same sex couples have the same type of legal proceedings as a married couple, such as annulments, divorces, and court proceedings dealing with children. Although there are many ways that make it like a legal marriage, a civil union still separates gay couples from the rest of the United States.

When this is said, it means that a gay couple will not be recognized in other states where civil unions are not legal. For example, healthcare programs may not recognize couples that have taken part in civil unions. They are not entitled to rights that are governed by the federal law. Although they have rights in their state, the federal government will not recognize them as a married couple. This means they do not have the right to receive social security benefits, and they cannot file joint federal tax returns.

In 1997, the General Accounting Office released 1,049 Benefits and Protections Available to Heterosexual Married Couples. Obviously, legal married couples have the right to these benefits. While civil unions allow some of these benefits and protections to gay couples, they do not have the right to all of them.