Same Sex Marriage, Speech Example

The issue of same sex marriage is important to approach.  Its significance can be seen against political, legal, religious, social, and other applicable contexts.  Currently this is a prominent subject in political aspects due to ongoing attempts to make it legal in certain areas, as it has been seen in some countries and locations already.

Same sex marriage has been present in some capacity throughout history.  Notably in ancient times, elaborate ceremonies allowed young females and males to bind themselves in such contracts.  Commonly seen in the Ming dynasty period, similar arrangements were also seen in ancient European history (Hinsch).  The first historical mention of same sex marriages can be found in the era of the early Roman Empire, in which, for instance, Emperor Elagabalus married a Carian slave, Hierocles (Scarre 151).  Other figures, such as Emperor Nero, may also be added to such a list.

In the modern era, same sex marriages have only been recently recognized.  In 2001 the Netherlands represented the first nation to grant same sex marriages (CBC).  Since then, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, and Nepal have followed, with Nepal not yet legislated as the only exception.  Throughout the world, however, many countries do not recognize such marriages, and in others, such as in Africa and the Middle East, such a partnership is illegal, where penalties exist, such as life in prison or the death penalty.

Critics of same sex marriage argue that marriage is between a man and a woman.  While this has certainly been the case for some time, recent years has seen the change in the definition to that which expresses what is between two people.  In my personal opinion, I believe that we are digressing from an important fundamental basis of marriage.  These values, in the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman, are important for society upon many aspects.

Another point of discussion in same sex marriages is in that of parenting.  Advocates for such marriages argue that parenting would be good for the parents of the child.  Advocates also push for the rights of individuals to be able to be parents for a child in such a relationship.

This is one aspect that is undesirable, however.  It is not, in my opinion, in the best interest of the child to be raised by such parents.  Not only does it undermine the child’s rights to be raised by a biological mother and father, but it opens the child up to many dangers.  Certainly at the heart of these dangers is the hatred received by those who do not agree with gays and lesbians.

In these two key areas, there seem to be no legitimate arguments for the support of same sex marriages.  It is unreasonable to assume that children will not face a number of problems while being raised with two gay or lesbian parents.  Additionally, redefining marriage to incorporate same sex individuals undermines a number of values and standards in society, such as in religion, society, and law, among others.

Many arguments used for same sex marriages fail to realize such implications.  The well-being of children, the standards and values inherent upon many contexts, and other crucial implications must be carefully observed if same sex marriages are to be accepted.  Of course there are many more sides and issues to the story.  However, as complex as the issue is, there seem to be a number of items which go against the validity of such an accepted societal element.  In my opinion, same sex marriages are not an appropriate measure to implement within society.

References

CBC. “Same-sex Marriage Around the World.” CBC News. June 3, 2009. Web. Retrieved July 1, 2010.

Hinsch, Bret. Passions of the Cut Sleeve: The Male Homosexual Tradition in China. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1992.

Scarre, Chris. Chronicles of the Roman Emperors. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 1995.