by Donna Burgess

Created on: May 18, 2009

Same Sex Marriage: Looking at America's Double Standard

If one wants to take a detailed look at same-sex marriage, one must first consider the meaning of marriage itself. The way marriage is defined depends on many things, from religious beliefs to the simple question of constitutional equal rights for all. I believe there is little difference between the marriage of two people of the same sex and traditional marriage. In fact, considering the divorce rate in the United States, one could make the case that same-sex marriages are often stronger. But in the world in which we live, everything is open for debate. Same-sex marriage has certainly been a one-step up, two steps back matter. Progress is made, as the recent amendment over-turning the ban on gay marriages in Iowa and Vermont, and then snatched away just as quickly as with California's "Proposition 8" ruling. When considering the validity of same-sex marriages, one must look at the ethics and history of gay rights. One may ask how marriage differs from civil union. One must take the time to view the opposition of the issue from the eyes of conservatives and religious sects. Many question the effect of same sex marriages on families through adoption, while others question the circumstances surrounding domestic violence. Finally, there is the question of where same sex marriages are currently accepted and where the issue is heading.

Jeremy Bentham and the Ethics Surrounding Gay Rights

Remembered for his work in the field of ethics, philosopher Jeremy Bentham is the man who championed the theory of utilitarianism (Waller, 2008, p. 52), a concept that can be traced as far back as ancient Greece. According to the idea of utilitarianism, the defining factor of what makes an action good or bad is the result of that action. Bentham's belief was what produces the greatest amount of pleasure for the greatest number of people is ultimately the path to follow. Many likened the belief to a form of hedonism, which during Bentham's life certainly did nothing to endear him to the church. However, along with his writings on utilitarianism, Bentham was also the first person in English to argue that homosexuality should not be a punishable crime. He produced two extensive writings on the subject between the years of 1785 and 1814 (Kraft, 2008).

According to journalist Louis Compton, Bentham regarded prejudice towards homosexuals as an irrational and unfounded hatred. In his view, this type of bias was

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• Next Page >>