by Mr. Smith

Created on: May 16, 2010

    Gay marriage has become one of the most intensely debated subjects of today’s society, spanning from the world and national levels down to the core of all individuals. Arguments for and against gay marriage are each based off of same-sex marriage’s effects on various entities such as religion, business, the economy, and especially society. But these are merely sub arguments that fall under larger, and more complex issues that have plagued humanity since ancient times. What is more important, society or the individual? At what point is it “right” to strip individuals of certain rights and freedoms in order to “protect” or better society? Are we actually bettering society, or our we hiding our prejudices while harming society? Gay marriage is a subject that is directly effected and influenced by these questions.

    The issue of society versus the individual (when society is viewed as more important) involves discrimination. Whether or not that discrimination is justified or “right” is usually determined by facts. For example, Illinois banning smoking in public places is commonly viewed as a positive decision because it prevents second-hand smoke and promotes health, but it discriminates against smokers at the same time. Likewise, since the issue of gay marriage falls under the enduring issue of society versus the individual (the individuals being homosexuals), then it too is an issue that involves discrimination and whether or not it is justified.

    Discrimination is the major player in this debate because it is, legally and morally, the deciding factor of whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to marry. Based off of arguments presented by both sides, it can, logically, be determined whether or not banning gay marriage is discriminatory by examining the effects on society as well as the individuals involved. If there are no negative effects on society or the individuals - especially if there are positive effects - then would it not be discriminatory to deny two human beings their inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (which includes the right to marriage) based off of false pretenses, fallacies, and even prejudice?

    In the past, we utilized the notion that society is more important than the individual as an argument to mask our prejudices. Denying women the right to vote functioned to supposedly prevent harm from

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