The Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage, Essay Example

In the United States, several states recognize same-sex marriages with varying degrees of recognition and conditions surrounding the issue. In total, same-sex marriages account for 15.7% of the population in the United States. Advocates of same sex marriage have grown over the years and have received support from many people, even from current President Barack Obama who publicly acknowledged his support for the legalization of same-sex marriage (Klein, 2012).

Many arguments have been put forth for and against same-sex marriage and it is evident that supporters of gay marriage are gaining stronger grounds. Firstly, advocates state that the right to marry is a basic civil right. By restricting access to marriage, means denying gay couples state and federal benefits such as joint tax claims, healthcare rights as well as social security benefits. Secondly, the issue of promiscuity among gay couples has been rebutted by advocates, arguing that marriage would allow them to establish stronger bonds and achieve legal and economic security (Issues, 2004). Leading associations within the medical and psychological field have also come to the conclusion that homosexuality is a normal part of an individual’s sexual expression and that homosexuals have the ability to form lasting, committed relationships that is inherently the same as that of their heterosexual counterparts (D’Augelli et al., 2007). In fact, a considerable number of gay couples have been in a committed relationship for a period of 10 years or more (Peplau & Spalding, 2000). Furthermore, children of gay couples grow up to become well-adjusted individuals, no less than children of heterosexual couples (Anderssen et al., 2002).

The United States has been widely acclaimed for its core belief in equality and fairness. It is then only just that each individual should be able to pursue happiness and express themselves without fear of discrimination. With considerable numbers supporting the legalization of same-sex marriage, it is only a matter of time that this issue will be laid to rest.

References

Anderssen, N. et al. (2002) Outcomes for Children with Lesbian or Gay Parents: A Review of Studies from 1978 to 2000, Scand. J. Psychol. 335

D’Augelli, A.R et al. (2007) Lesbian and Gay Youth’s Aspirations for Marriage and Raising Children, J. LGBT Issues in Counseling 77

Klein, Rick (2012, May 5). Obama declares support for gay marriage. Retrieved from http://news.yahoo.com/obama-announces-his-support-for-same-sex-marriage.html

Peplau, L.A & Spalding, L.R (2000) The Close Relationships of Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals in Close Relationships: A Sourcebook C.A. Hendrick & S.S. Hendrick eds.