Those are the facts. Now we'll enter into opinion. This law has MUCH to do with the separation of church and state. I know of several religions that define marriage as between a man and a woman. John Locke, author of the principle of social contract, believed that the government had no business dealing with matters of individual conscience. Now. Isn't a relationship, which could possibly lead to marriage, a matter of individual conscience? How many of you have a son- or daughter-in-law that you really don't like? See where I'm going with this? By defining "marriage" as between a man and a woman, we are bordering the adoption of arranged marriages in our culture. If your brother happens to fall in love (read: matter of individual conscience) with another man, who does that harm? Nobody. With whom a person sleeps or spends the rest of their life should not depend upon another person's (or organization's) interpretation of marriage. Just because the federal government may decide that same-sex marriages should indeed be recognized for legal purposes does not mean that you have to immediately marry a person of the same sex. Enter ROMA. The Respect of Marriage Act. No, it doesn't require States to issue marriage certificates/licenses to same-sex couples. However, it requires any state to recognize ("for the purposes of any Federal law") a same-sex marriage performed in a state that does recognize them. It doesn't make you gay. It doesn't mean that you have to accept or agree with homosexuality. It doesn't require churches to perform religious ceremonies. It does mean that gays can live happily in our country, the Land of the Free, as first-class citizens. It means that gays can pay child support. Alimony. They can visit their loved ones in the hospital (or prison). They can file their taxes jointly. They may adopt a child into a loving home. They can join the elite leagues of heterosexuals who can file for divorce. I know of many "straight" relationships that have exercised their right to do any or all of the listed things here, and they don't even think twice about it. Perhaps it's time to think twice.
The American Psychological Association gives another argument in support of same-sex marriage: "financial, psychological and physical well-being are enhanced by marriage, and that children of same-sex couples benefit from being raised by two parents within a legally recognized union supported by society’s institutions." See? It doesn't harm. In fact, being able to marry improves health!
Do you agree? Disagree? What are your thoughts on the subject?
