Week 3: What is the big deal with legalizing same-sex marriage?

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Image result for marriage

Before I jump into today’s discussion, I want to first share my beliefs and standards regarding marriage. There are many purposes of marriage, such as bringing together two individuals and their families, learning to love, serve, and grow beyond our own abilities, and most crucial is to procreate.  Marriage is a divine institution created by our Heavenly Father for a man and a woman.  “Gender differences is unique and each is necessary culturally and biologically for optimal development of a human being.” [1]
What difference does it make if States legalize same-sex couples to marry? I used to think a same-sex couple deciding to get married doesn’t affect me so why should I care.  In my research I discovered there are many effects for me personally, for our society, and for the rising generation. Here are just a few reasons why we should not redefine marriage in our States.
- Marriage between a man and a woman provide the ideal environment for a human being to develop Justice Roberts said “. . It arose in the nature of things to meet a vital need: ensuring that children are conceived by a mother and father committed to raising them in the stable conditions of a lifelong relationship. The human race must procreate to survive. Procreation occurs through sexual relations between a man and a woman.” [2]
- Men and women have unique and important gender difference that cannot be replaced.
- Children have a strong desire to understand their biologically connection. “Legalizing same-sex marriage will cause issues for children. . . we are starting to see a change where it is difficult to track the biologically line for child.  Now it is parent 1 and parent 2 – leaving the child to feel unattached to parents.”  [3]
- Redefining marriage threatens religious freedom.  “Same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws have already spawned legal collisions with the rights of free speech and of action based on religious beliefs.” [4] For an example a photographer can be sued for refusing to take a picture of a same-sex couple, regardless of their conscience.
- Marriage between a man and a woman is important for public policy and a fundamental unit to our society. “Children without fathers are more likely to live in poverty, commit crime, have behavioral problems and have teenage pregnancies.” [1]
- Redefining marriage will cause fatherhood as optional.  We need fathers involved in children lives. “Sexually open marriages can cause an increase in more children without a father, then government picks up pieces with welfare programs.” [1]
- Same-sex marriage will cause social identity problems for children in the home, leading to anxiety and depression.  “When marriage is undermined by gender confusion and by distortions of its God-given meaning, the rising generation of children and youth will find it increasingly difficult to develop their natural identities as men or women.” [4]
After reviewing the Supreme Court ruling made in July 2015 between Obergefell v. Hodges, I became aware of the issue at hand with same-sex marriage.  The petitioners brought their case to the court because they wanted their marriage to be recognized by all States. However, the purpose of the Supreme Court is to interpret the law, not make the law.  Justice Alito said, “Today’s decision usurps the constitutional right of the people to decide whether to keep or alter the traditional understanding of marriage.” [2]
I believe men and women have a right to choose how they want to live their lives.  I believe we must treat one another with dignity and respect, regardless of difference in opinion or lifestyle.  I have nothing again gays or lesbians.  In fact, my brother-in-law is gay and married to his partner.  We need to protect our choice to choose.  I believe in giving power to the people to decide their laws for their state. If government policies are making it difficult for same-sex couples to live their life then change the policy. I don’t think it is the government’s job to define what marriage is.  I strongly, but respectfully must say marriage is between a man and a woman.
[1] Ryan Anderson Testifies Before the Indiana House Judiciary Committee. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/embed/3TNmKo5KcMY?rel=0 (Links to an external site.)
[2] Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. (2015). Supreme Court of the United States. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf (Links to an external site.)
[3] Jennifer Roback Morse testimony to RI House Judiciary on marriage. Retrieved from

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