Civil Unions Editorial - Extended Edition

Everyone loves a little controversy, right? In today's American culture, same-sex marriage is still one of the most controversial issues we face, which is rather ironic seeing as how we pride ourselves on being such an advanced and accepting culture. In many ways, homosexuality had more support long before America was even a factor.

Homosexuality has been around for countless years, possibly even since the dawn of mankind itself. In the days of polytheistic Pagan worship--even those predating ancient Greece--homosexuality was an accepted practice, and in fact part of several religious ceremonies. Homosexuals were seen as equals in society clear back before all of our marvelous modern conveniences. So, if we are so much more advanced than our ancestors, why are homosexuals so often treated like a threatening alien race and denied many basic rights, such as marriage?

One of the most common arguments against same-sex marriage is: "marriage is between a man and a woman." According to Dictionary.com, that is correct; they define marriage as "the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc." However, according to Wikipedia, marriage can be one of many things: "a union between one man and one woman as husband and wife is a monogamous homosexual marriage; recently, some jurisdictions and denominations have begun to recognize same-sex marriage, uniting people of the same sex." The trusty Webster's New World Dictionary doesn't specifically mention marriage as being strictly between a man and a woman either, but it does, however, define "married" as the following: "being husband and wife, having a husband or wife." The second half of the definition could validly apply to same-sex couples as well.

Marriage entitles partners to many rights, benefits and responsibilities that they would otherwise have no claim to. For example: tax breaks, custody rights, inheritance, ownership rights, etc. Civil unions provide much the same thing, just under a less-controversial title. Numerous countries around the world recognize and allow same-sex civil unions, including several U.S. states.

Laws Regarding Same-Sex Partnerships in the United States Same-sex marriages Unions granting rights similar to marriage Unions granting limited/enumerated rights Foreign same-sex marriages recognized Statute bans same-sex marriage Constitution bans same-sex marriage Constitution bans same-sex marriage and other kinds of same-sex unions

List of jurisdictions allowing same-sex unions

• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Denmark
• Europe
• France
• Hungary
• Israel
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Portugal
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • New Jersey
  • New Hampshire
  • Vermont

Unfortunately, the majority of the United States is still against the legal union of same-sex couples in any form. How is it we will stand aside and allow the marriage of a man and woman who can't stand each other, or have no intention of being faithful to one another, or are just getting married for the benefits, or whose union was part of an arrangement but two men or two women who truly love each other and have dedicated their lives to one another are not allowed a legal union?

We say that color doesn't matter, religion doesn't matter, gender doesn't matter. We are so careful not to discriminate, but imagine the outcry if people of different races weren't allowed to get married, or different religions, or even people of the same race or the same religion. Unthinkable, right? Kind of ridiculous, right? Discriminatory, right? Right.

Should Same-Sex Marriages be Legalized?

In a Nutshell

Yes

No

Denying them is a violation of religious freedom (civil and religious marriages are two separate institutions). Marriage benefits (such as joint ownership, medical decision-making capacity) should be available to all couples. Homosexuality is an accepted lifestyle nowadays with most evidence proving biological causation. Denying these marriages is a form of minority discrimination. It doesn't hurt society or anyone in particular. The only thing that should matter in marriage is love. The number of child adoptions should increase since gay couples cannot pro-create (although some might see an increase in gay adoptions as an argument against same-sex marriages). It encourages people to have strong family values and give up high-risk sexual lifestyles.

Most religions consider homosexuality a sin. It would weaken the definition and respect for the institution of marriage. It would further weaken the traditional family values essential to our society. It could provide a slippery slope in the legality of marriage (e.g. having multiple wives or marrying an object could be next). The gay lifestyle is not something to be encouraged, as a lot of research shows it leads to a much lower life expectancy, psychological disorders, and other problems.