Topic Prpossal #2

Should same-sex marriage be legal/illegal?

Same-sex marriage has been a widely debated issue in America for years. There are two obvious stances on this issue, which is people believe same-sex marriage should be legal and there are those that feel it is wrong. This is not only a question of whether it should be legal or illegal, but is it constitutional for the national government to make laws about. The constitution gives the power to govern marriage laws to the state which makes it questionable as to whether the national government even possesses this power. Another issue with this is governing on this issue crossing the line of separation of church and state.

Sources

Homosexuality Is Caused by Societal Dysfunction
Opposing Viewpoints
-This article very strongly states that same-sex marriage is ok. However, because of the authors reasoning for why it is wrong it can also be viewed as a positive source for gay rights advocates. The author talks about how too many barriers have come down and America and we have a “little moral compass”. Basically this article is all opinion and no facts therefore causing a reader to low respect for a person with this viewpoint.

Civil Unions Are an Acceptable Alternative to Gay Marriage
Opposing Viewpoints
-This article is focused on family values and how there needs to be more two parent families in America. The author points out that there should be at least some legal protection for gay and lesbian marriages because they provide the same type of family values as a heterosexual couple.

Why Gays Should Support Same-Sex Marriage
Opposing Viewpoints
-This article both supports same-sex marriage but it also brings up the constitutionality of a ban on gay marriage. The author makes the point that this halt in civil rights could affect future civil rights fights. It could restrict the ability of a judge to fight inequality in America which is an underlying problem to a ban on gay marriage.

Gay Marriage Threatens Families
Opposing Viewpoints
-This article argues that gay marriage will threaten the concept of monogamy. It relates legalizing gay marriage to legalizing polygamy. The author also states that gay marriage poses a threat to the institution of marriage and that legalizing same-sex marriage would not be an advance in civil rights.