Editorial-+Gay+Marriage

In November 2008, millions of Americans will storm voting booths to elect our country a fresh, new leader. But before we do so, we make sure to educate ourselves on each candidate, reading through their opinions and ideas. We then synchronize these with our own needs, and elect whom we think will represent our nation in the best manner. One topic of consideration to many is the legalization of same sex marriage. Some oppose the idea, saying that it goes against everything morally correct, that marriage is between a man and a woman. But what is marriage? A legal joining of two individuals. Generally these two individuals are wed because they have a strong feeling of eternal togetherness, and ultimately, love. A main reason for the belief of a man and woman being the only legitimate wed pair is ideas which were formulated in the Bible. But what about the gay couple who doesn’t follow religious principles? The lesbian couple who does not believe in the Bible? Are they still required to follow its principles because the majority of The United States believes otherwise? In addition, since when did love start having a gender? This is how I see it: Nobody should be allowed to tell any couple that they cannot wed because their partner doesn’t have a certain sexual organ. If a woman feels passionately for another woman, who is the government to tell them they are not allowed to feel this way? They are struck down upon and seen as morally disturbed. But to me, what is even more morally disturbing, is that a person could see a person loving another person as incorrect. Perhaps it is morally wrong. To many it is unethical for a heterosexual couple to be seen together, because it may raise children’s awareness of promiscuity. Also if this child is being raised in a religious household, perhaps this teaches the child the opposite of what is intended for them to be learned, a man and woman together. Many are concerned about children that grow up in heterosexual households. Some believe it may create mental instability. How would we know if this chance isn’t being afforded? We are simply abolishing the opportunity because we make assumptions. Our country has a long history of discrimination. Whites have discriminated against blacks because we’ve thought they needed to be tamed, and were unable to be as superior. But when the tables turned and African Americans were given rights, many proved otherwise. Women were believed to be unintelligent and that we were unskilled in the work place. But after we were allowed to become part of society, we proved otherwise. Today, we are discriminating against heterosexual couples. Perhaps we should give them a chance to be a legitimate part of society, as it will continue to break the pattern of discrimination and perpetuate our nation forward, as this cycle has been seen before. Overall, I think love needs to be supported in all cases, whether a man to a woman, a man to a man, or a woman to a woman. I don’t think anyone should be condemned for loving another person.