Should all U.S. states legally recognize same-sex marriages?
Love is love.
Same-sex marriage will not take away your rights, or harm you in any way. It has been proven, that in states that do allow gay marriage, the children of the couples are fine.
Saying "homosexuality is a sin" is not a valid argument. There is a separation of church and the state for the reason--not everyone believes in God, and not everyone has your religion. I am a relatively smart, straight-A student at my school. When I grow up, I want to be a language arts teacher. I'm a lesbian. I was born this way. I'm not going to "force" a "homosexual lifestyle" (it's not a lifestyle, it's who you are since you were born, but whatever) on to any of my students. Homosexuals are equal and deserve the right to marry who they love.Posted by: katystarsTimes have changed.
We are all people, we all interact, we are all different. Love has no gender. Straight or gay, man or woman, marriage is a special bond that should not have a strict boundary. I still don't understand why gay people are discriminated against. We are all people and should be able to marry whoever we want. It will not be the demise of this country, it will only unify nations and is the last piece to civil rights. It's 2013 lets go folks.
Posted by: AnonymousLOVE IS LOVE
And I want to get married someday to the one person who makes everything okay, loves me for who I am, is always there for me, wants to have children with me. I want to marry the person who pulls my life together every time it falls apart. I want to marry the one person who I love more than myself. I am sad for the people who do not want to allow me this because we are both women. Those people don't understand real love.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, I agree that all U.S. states should legally recognize same-sex marriages.
All states should follow the trend of forward thinking, progressive countries across the world, and legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples should have the same rights and be protected under the law just like heterosexual couples. There is no reason why they should not be recognized - it only helps people in same-sex couples, and it does not harm those in heterosexual marriages. It also protects any children that have same-sex parents. If they are not able to marry, then they are not considered next of kin, which could lead to many awful and heartbreaking situations, and that is completely unfair.
Posted by: Lopez111All U.S. states should recognize same-sex marriages, because the same rights should be extended to all citizens.
The United States was founded on the belief that all Americans have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Whether religious doctrines disagree with homosexuality or not, our country was founded on the separation of church and state. Therefore, our rights as citizens cannot be based on any religious doctrine. Lastly, same-sex marriage provides equal civil rights to all citizens. To deny a homosexual the rights afforded by marriage, it denies them the same rights as a heterosexual and, therefore, falls under inequality.
Posted by: P3nrIinIt's the same argument
Saying 2 people can not get married despite their gender is wrong. I love my brother, and his boyfriend. You can try and tell me that it's wrong all you want I will just look at you like you're ignorant and say that's like saying a black man and a white woman can't get married, or a white man and a black women can't get married. It's not a choice. Why should you get married just because you are straight. Marriage is a right not some privilege you have if you marry the same gender, despite your ignorant religious argument. I think this law is based off religion and America should move forward like we have with racism, times are changing, and people should love who they want, they should marry who they should marry who they want. It's that simple.
Posted by: AnonymousI agree with same sex marriage because everyone is human and wants love.
I think it is unfair that same sex people can't get married in certain places. They are both human but just find love in a different way then what's customary. Gays and Lesbians have feelings too and who cares if they're in love with someone their own sex? I think it is very unfair to them that they can't get married just like everyone else.
Posted by: balletpicsGrow up!
It's about time we throw away the nonsense our parents and grandparents filled our heads with as children. It shouldn't matter what gender people are. If they are in love then they should have that right to get married just as any man and woman do. If it's religion you're freaking out about, then tell me this.. Do you really see God as one who would condemn his people for LOVING? Come on now, stop being so narrow minded and worrying about what everyone else is doing!
Posted by: AnonymousEquality for all. ALL are God's Children.
I do not think that denying fundamental rights, such as to marry the one you love, is fair. Whether a person chooses to date or falls in love with someone of the same sex should not matter. Love is blind, and government has NO RIGHT to dictate who can and cannot get married.
Posted by: AnonymousYes for Gays.
Love is love. Gay and straight couples should have equal status in marriage and same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in all states, not just the Democrat ones. It's not the state's choice, and all the biblical references are irrelevant, the church and state are separate and the church shouldn't have a part in deciding this. And for people who say that the bible says homosexuality is bad, then great. It really doesn't matter what some made up book says. The state is separated from the church, for reasons exactly like this
Posted by: AnonymousYes, same-sex marriage should be legalized everywhere in the United States, because religion should play no role in law.
The United States is supposed to be the land of the free, with a separation of church and state. Those opposed to same sex marriage claim that it is immoral, and that it makes a mockery of traditional wedding vows. These opinions stem from a religious belief that homosexuality is an abomination. If the U.S. did, in fact, completely separate church from state, there would be no reason to ban this type of union.
Posted by: TownNoamJust because "The Bible" syas its wrong, doesnt mean its ACTUALLY wrong
I think the argument that because the bible says so is a BS excuse as to not legalize same sex marriage. Not everyone in our country reads and believes in a christian bible, why should it be the basis for our laws? The bible also says aldultery is a sin, but were not castrating adulterers or throwing them in jail, are we? I think the bible has NO place in the making of our laws. Being a homosexual and getting married doesnt bother me in the slightest - they arent hitting on me, forcing what they believe on me, and I dont see same sex couples walking down the street fondling each other anymore than straight couples. So why are christians slamming the bible down everyones throats and that is truly their only argument as to why it shouldnt be legal? Homosexuals are now accepted in the military, but they can't get married? How ridiculous is that? They can fight and possibly die for our country now, but can't marry the one they love? They deserve the same exact rights as everyone else.
Posted by: AnonymousNo reason not to
I find it funny when people try to appeal to the traditional conception of marriage in a modern era. That's like trying to appeal to the traditional idea of the earth (I.e. flat). Sure it's been around for a while, long enough to make it considered "traditional", that doesn't make it right. Especially as times change, the way we need to view certain concepts needs to be changed. The second funniest argument against same-sex marriages, one that 16k has already, humorously, brought up, is that the purpose of marriage is for the procreation and benefit of the state and anything that doesn't meet in that strict definition doesn't deserve marital status. This implies that anything that goes outside of what it was created to do shouldn't be allowed (he'd argue it's a strawman, but that's literally what the argument is). If this were true, we can't use half of the modern appliances for what we use them for today. We also have to get rid of half the things we do and/or use in the modern world as they don't directly benefit the government or the state. Also, the argument that homosexuals cannot serve "the public good" is essentially trying to sell that homosexuals cannot raise children, which is false. Morally, pretty much every other moral philosophy supports homosexual marriage. Ethically, it's just the right thing to do. Why would you deny their right when it could be you in their place? I have yet to see a convincing reason against homosexual marriage. AND NO THE BIBLE DOESN'T COUNT. Prove your god exists before you start saying that the Bible is true and says that homosexuality is horrible.
Posted by: ZaradiI support same-sex marriage legalization to promote true equality in the nation.
Keeping same-sex marriage illegal or unrecognized in the States causes these couples to be treated as second class citizens. When this is the case, Americans are not truly created equal. It has been proven that 'civil unions' are not enough and do not provide the same rights as marriages do. There are over 100 vital rights which marriages provide & civil unions do not. True equality will only happen through the legalization of gay marriage, and nothing less. If same-sex marriages were legalized across the nation, this may also help promote tolerance & understanding of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgendered) people. This could bring about a lowering in the number of hate crimes committed.
Posted by: MitP4rtyLove is love.
I think that it should be legalized. Let people marry whom ever they want just to create a family and grow happy together.
Discrimination and hate on the same sex marriage is straight up disappointing. This economy and society is wretched and hurtful. There ate probably more deaths of BLG and misunderstood teens and adults, than anywhere else. I personally know a handful of gays, bisexuals, and lesbians. They are like everyone else, living life and enjoying the little things. I am bisexual, my family hates and is completely against the idea of same sex marriage. I have dated the same gender and the opposite, is there much of a difference, yeah somewhat. But does it change who I am towards others, such as my friends? No. I have lost many when I told people I was who I am now and I lost a handful of people I trusted. Friends come and go, that's what I learned out of the experience. Let GLB live their life to the fullest, and let them marry who they want.Posted by: AnonymousU.S. States should legally recognize same-sex marriages.
U.S. States should legally recognize same-sex marriages. Preventing same-sex marriages not only violates the rights of same-sex couples, it prevents them from accessing a myriad of benefits including tax breaks, joint health coverage and in some cases, making their life partner the beneficiary of their financial assets upon death. It is long overdue that the United States recognize the rights of same-sex couples.
Posted by: NatBIabYes.
I believe they should allow same-sex marriage, if not in all states at least most. I think some states should allow the marriage, but all the states recognize it. Everyone deserves to be happy, no matter gender, race, color whatever. If it's recognized then they get benefits if their loved one gets injured or needs new teeth. Saying it's against the bible its stupid. I've read the bible countless times, being in a catholic school setting for 13 years will do that, and it's said to only be a guideline to live your life. You're not suppose to take it literally. And times from then have changed. Drastically. Saying it's wrong isn't a good argument. And so what if a same-sex couple can't procreate. There are thousands of children looking for loving parents and a nice home to call theirs. Also, asking a person who is gay, "So when did you decide you were gay?" is like asking a straight person "Why did you decide to be straight?" It's stupid. You wouldn't ask your friends or family that, so why ask a person who is gay?
Posted by: AnonymousAll states should recognize same-sex marriages and even allow them to be performed.
Just because a man wants to be with a man or a woman wants to be with a woman, an individual should not be judged negatively. Certain circumstances in a person's life draw people to like and dislike others. The fact is that no two people are exactly the same and that everyone will be different. That's what makes the world go around. I believe that it is a discriminating practice for some states not to acknowledge same-sex marriages and feel that it is a disgrace.
Posted by: taihenraionMarriage is a partnership
It does not matter if you are in a heterosexual relationship or a homosexual relationship. Marriage is a lifelong commitment between two loving individuals. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but if you are in love with someone, you have every right to be with that person for the rest of your life. The government and the people have no reason to deny you that right.
Posted by: Anonymous"Bible this.. and Bible that.."
Church and State are two separate things, I understand that many Americans are very conservative, and do not like to go against God. But going as far to say that homosexuals can not serve the public good is an extreme... So it goes against what the Bible says, but to be honest most religions do not discriminate against the thought of same sex couples. And it is not degrading to "regular" marriage, in fact the word "regular" is degrading enough. Marriage is something that should be performed in an act of love, not because someone says it is traditional. What about the people who decide they are asexual and do not want to marry a man or a woman, they are not forced to get married because it is tradition or to procreate. How much will it effect your life if two people who love each other as much as you love your husband or wife get married? In fact, it does not change if they are gay or not, they will be together no matter what. Homosexuality may be agaist "Gods" word, but all men were created equally. Oh and what if you have a gay friend? Do you tell them "Hey you're cool and all I just don't think you should have the same rights as me, because well God says that you are living your life in sin and what you are doing is wrong and you shoiuld really stop before you go to hell..." And if you do not have a better arguement other than GOD SAYS NO!... Then gtfo, and let someone get married to the one they love.
Posted by: Crazy4life24It's just fair.
Being gay doesn't hurt anyone so why stop it? God loves everyone! I know a lot of Christians who are gay so what's the big deal? If you don't want to look at a guy and a guy kiss, then close your eyes! If you don't want to see a girl and a girl get married then don't attend the wedding!
Posted by: Anonymouswell...
Although the bible says homosexuality is wrong should we not also do our Christian duty to love and accept others. If in Gods eyes everyone is equal, homosexuals should have the right to get married as everyone else has as we are all equal.
And also if God did not intend homosexuality why did he make it possible?Posted by: samantha_usame-sex couple are citizens of america too
America is based off the constitution which says we as Americans have the right to purse happiness which includes marriage. same-sex couples are citizens of America and should be able to get married just like opposite sex couples. the fact that there are benefits to marriage the same-sex couples should be able to have the same rights to those benefits as other couples.
Posted by: reyloverAnyone should be allowed to marry who they want.
There's no real good reason not to recognize same-sex marriages. People like to make the claim that somehow it will destroy marriage but there is no real evidence to support this. You're not going to stop two people who love each other from being together just because you say their marriage doesn't really count. This is a waste of time and effort for this to be something that is concentrated on and fought about.
Posted by: FlyGigaThere is no reason for why they shouldn't.
The only argument that people use to argue against same sex marriage is that it will destroy the sanctity of marriage. Pray tell, how will that happen? Because the bible defines it so? Well guess what, not everyone reads the bible, not everyone is a Christian, and not everyone is religious in any way. It is wrong to bar two people who love each other from getting married because of a ridiculous believe, and at the same time allow people to get hitched for 3 hours in Vegas because they were drunk.
Posted by: 4uncLifeALLOW IT!
Its 2013, we are all humans, we all deserve love and church and state should be separate! How are 2 men or women that love each other going to effect your life? They just want to be happy,they love each other, why stop them? The Bible SHOULD NOT run the country. We are ALL EQUAL!
Posted by: AnonymousWhy not?
There is not one arguement that condones the discrimination against same-sex marriages. For the Bible thumpers give me one verse that says Same-Sex marriages are wrong. The bible never once said anything against homosexuality in the terms of marriage. For the ones that say same-sex couples cannot give equally to society, Same-sex couples regardless of gender can serve in the military, can raise children and yes they can procreate using surrogates or donars. Finally for the ones saying that same-sex couples want get married just for the money and benefits. Marriages for hundreds of years around the globe including in the US have been purely for finacial gain. Also why shouldn't same-sex couples want to have the same rights as oposite-sex couples. These people who say that same-sex couples only want the money and benefits that come with being married you are diving into motivation and personal lives of US Citizens. Does the government ask oposite-sex couples why they want to get maried? No they dont and to do so is unconstitutional so why do it to same-sex couples who in the constitution under pursuit of happiness are garanteed the same right as same-sex couples
Posted by: AnonymousWhy not?
There is no reason to be so against same sex marriage. America's history is full of instances that showed we were more open minded and ready to make change for the better. But this contradicts that belief. It's hypocritical to tell someone what they can and can not do as far as there social interactions are concerned.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe all U.S. States should recognize same-sex marriage, even if only for legal purposes.
There are several situations where same-sex couples have been together their entire adult lives, but one passes away, and the other is not entitled to their death benefits. People who are savvy enough could create a will to make sure their partner gets the benefits, but their families can contest the will. Recognizing the legality of their marriage partnership would help in that situation.
Posted by: ChildlikeJarvis90There is no reason at all why they shouldn't
It's a civil rights issue - anyone should be able to marry whomever they wish. Keeping it illegal is also an encroachment of government into church, and vice versa. Same-sex marriage will be made fully legal, it's only a matter of time. And, after it does, the world will not collapse - no one will care anymore and we'll retrospectively think of it in the same way we do the civil rights movement now, and the overall happiness of the country will improve.
Posted by: AnonymousAllow it.
Love has no gender. Therefore everybody should be allow to marry who they want to. If someday I have a child that comes to me and tells me that they are gay/lesbian than I would be proud. We need to think of the future generations, ask yourself what would you do of your child wanted to marry somebody of the same gender? We need to make this nation better for them.
Posted by: AnonymousSame sex marriage
People who say there is something wrong with same sex marriage are messed up. The only difference between same sex marriage and regular marriage is its two of the same gender. There is no difference in the feelings the couples have for each other. Being the same gender as your boyfriend/girlfriend can not change the fact that you love them, and if you love someone and want to be with them for the rest of your life who is to stop you? Who is to tell you that you're not allowed to be happy with the person you truly care about and love? I'll tell you if someone were to tell me that i could not be with my boyfriend that wouldn't stop me from anything. I am %100 percent for same sex marriage
Posted by: alyssa69No I'm not kidding you
Everybody in the world wants advantages in life, especially for lower costs for everything. Everybody. Not just homosexuals. And so what if the bible says marriage is between a man and a woman, not everyone in the word believes in God. People are not getting weirder because they are different, and others don't have the right to judge homosexuals. They should just mind their own business if they're bothered by it.
Posted by: AnonymousAll states should recognize same-sex marriages, so that partners can have equal rights
For a long time, the rights of same-sex partners have been an issue. Parents of children have no legal rights, if one parent were to die. Finances and insurance have been a mess. All states should recognize that it is the choice of the individual to be with a person, and should extend the same rights that a more traditional marriage has. Religiously, marriage can be questioned. But legally, and in terms of parenting and finances, same-sex marriages need to be recognized.
Posted by: TedieDelightI think this is a Constitutional right so State laws should not supersede this.
I think this is a Constitutional right since to forbid same-sex marriage is a form of discrimination, so no State should be able to enact any law superseding this right. Science has already shown that 'gayness' is mostly a matter of genes so we can't turn a blind eye to the fact that it is natural, not unnatural or immoral.
Posted by: Th4FireEquality
Love is love. Gay and straight couples should have equal status in marriage and same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in all states, not just the Democrat ones. It's not the state's choice, and all the biblical references are irrelevant, the church and state are separate and the church shouldn't have a part in deciding this.
Posted by: Anonymous
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
The bible says that marriage is meant to be for a man and a woman. Not a man and a man, or a woman and a woman. People are getting weirder and weirder these days. I'm all for happiness, but the people who see the gay couples are not happy to see them. Plus, people of the same sex get "married" just to take advantage of a lower cost of housing, tax breaks, and other bonuses of being married.
Posted by: AnonymousThe Government should not have a say
If two people of the same gender want to live together, that is fine. However they shouldn't call it a marriage because the Bible says that marriage is between a man and a woman. To force the pastors to marry the homosexuals would violate their religious beliefs. And the first amendment says that congress should not make laws violating freedom of religion. I have no problem with two homosexuals wanting to live together, but the government should not force the churches to practice it.
Posted by: nicholasemjohnsonNo.
Doesn't do any good. The only kind of marriage that should be recognized in U.S. states is a kind of marriage that is procreative in type, procreative in effect, and procreative in intention. No 90 year old people marrying each other, that's useless. No 20 year old people marrying each other, but not having any children, that's useless. Only marry if you will have biological children. If you have biological children, you must be compelled to marry.
Posted by: AlwaysMoreThanYouEach state should decide on its own, through the voices of their people, whether or not to accept same-sex marriage.
There is no reason why same-sex marriage should be legally mandated in all states. Our nation was founded as a nation of states together to form a whole, with the states still given the authority to make their own laws. If same-sex marriage is simply mandated for all the states, then one of the fundamental purposes of our democratic government will be simply overridden by the will of a minority of people. This is the beginning of the end for a democratic government.
Posted by: MariaRSame-sex marriage is morally wrong.
As stated in the bible it is an abomination for a man to lie with another man as he lies with a woman. Meaning it is defined in the bible that same-sex relationships are wrong. God did not intend for the same sex to marry each other, because there's no point if you can't have kids in the first place.
Posted by: AnonymousA sin
Why should all states condone sin, when many states have biblically based laws.
The US is already morally corrupt without having any more problems.
The Jews want to destroy christianity, so they target christian values. Orthodox Jews hate christianity. They control the media, and use it to destroy western culture.Posted by: AnonymousStates should not have to recognize same-sex marriage, because the Tenth Amendment reserves the states all powers that are not expressly given to the federal government in the Constitution.
States have the authority to recognize marriages. Because marriage is not specifically mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, the power to oversee and regulate it resides with the state governments. If individual state governments wish to legalize same sex marriage, that is perfectly legal. However, no state should be compelled to do so by another state, or by the federal government. States have a long history regulating marriage. Utah had to abolish plural marriage to join the union. Most states have age requirements and prohibitions against marrying cousins or siblings, and they all have different licensing procedures. Clearly, regulating marriage, especially who can legally enter into it, is solidly within the purview of the individual, sovereign states.
Posted by: MeatyClarence70"Marriage equality" includes consentual plural marriages
Why is same sex marriage allowed, but a consensual plural marriage not? If its unfair to ban SSM, it is equal unfair to ban plural marriage. Polygamy is a valid form of marriage throughout time and place. SSM cannot make the same claim. As long as the parties to the marriage are consenting adults, why shouldn't their marriages be recognized. Fair is fair. What's good for the goose, is good for the gander.
Posted by: AnonymousNope.
There is no valid legal reason to allow homosexual marriage. Heterosexual is the foundation of society through procreation, and serve a public good. Homosexuals cannot serve the public good and, therefore, do not deserve marital benefits.
Posted by: 16kadamsThe Bible's statement "wrong will become right and right will become wrong" is true
Homosexuality is a degrading of regular marriage. God did not intend for the same sex to marry each other, because there's no point if you can't have kids in the first place. Homosexuality just abuses what God intended for a man and wife to enjoy. Men and Women were designed to mate with each other and reproduce.
Posted by: Minecraft_addictSame-sex marriage is morally wrong.
As stated in the bible it is an abomination for a man to lie with another man as he lies with a woman. Meaning it is defined in the bible that same-sex relationships are wrong. This means that we should not be opening the door for homosexuals to marry.
Posted by: AnonymousNot the same argument.
The marriage of man and woman regardless of race is not the same as same sex marriage. And we should keep the state out of religion - which is what our founding fathers had in mind when crafting our constitution to insure the freedom to practice our religion without the gov't dictating how we practice or what we believe. While a loving same sex relationship appears to be like a marriage, it is not. As harsh as it sounds it is a cultural aberration that historically surfaces in growing progressive, secular societies where belief in God and practice of faith is declining. As intolerant as this sounds, same sex marriage goes against the natural order. And despite current social, secular tolerance of gay lifestyles same sex marital relationships do not fit within the natural order.
Posted by: ModerateView